RACER: Development, Growth and Production of Macrozooplankton, Including Krill

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Throughout the world ocean, coastal regions dominate biological production; however, knowledge of biological processes in the Southern Ocean derives mostly from studies of the circumpolar open sea. Ecosystem dynamics of Antarctic coastal zones are virtually unknown. The present objective is to focus on the northern Gerlache Strait, where the coastal ecosystem processes will be studied in detail. This portion of RACER (Research on Antarctic Coastal Ecosystem Rates) will study the development, growth and productivity of zooplankton, including krill. Specific new objectives are to determine physical circulation, residence time and dispersion of populations; events leading up to the annual spawning of krill; growth and development of 3 principal species (Euphausia superba, Calanoides acutus and Metridia gerlachei); flux of carbon and nitrogen through macrozooplankton. Studies will include the use of ARGOS-linked Lagrangian drifters, zooplankton nets and shipboard laboratory experiments. Principal analytical methods will include computation of Lagrangian flows and dispersion rates, cohort analysis and size-dependent modelling of zooplankton production. Biodynamic processes in the northern Gerlache Strait may be characteristic of many nearshore marine environments of Antarctica. This study may therefore provide new insights into the functioning of Antarctic coastal ecosystems.