Estudio comparativo del zooplancton (biomasa y composición) en dos bahías del Mar Caribe Mexicano

Abstract

Strong differences were observed in zooplankton biomass, composítion and distribution in Chetumal and Ascension bays, eastern coast of the Yucatan Península, Mexico. Chetumal Bay is an hydrologically heterogeneous system and the local zooplanktic cornmunity is represented mainly by eurihaline elements. Fish and decapod larvae are relevant eonstituents of the local zooplankton, suggesting a significant breeding area. However, mos! of these larvae migrate passively or actively when reaching juvenile, autonomous stages. The isolation from (he influence of marine water and the internal low energy restríet both productivity and faunistic diversity in Chetumal. Ascensión Bay is, hydrologically, a more homogeneous system, with higher marine input. Its local zooplanktic fauna is more diverse and abundant. Probably, the passive migration of fish and decapod larvae is lower than in Chetumal