| During 1994-1999, the mesozooplankton community was sampled monthly in the upper sea layer (up to 100 m) along a cross-shelf transect of three stations in waters off Mallorca island. Copepods formed the most abundant group (54%) followed by appendicularians (17%), cladocerans and meroplankton larvae (13%). The abundance of all these groups decreased in the offshore direction but it was not the case for other zooplankton groups. A clear seasonal cycle was evident consisting of a general decrease of the abundance from the beginning to the end of the year. In addition to the general increase during late winter and spring, an absolute maximum was detected in May, particularly important at the neritic station and a relative maximum in March and October. During... |
