Benthic Meiofauna and Macrofaunal Larvae on Marine Snow

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Marine snow is ubiquitous and abundant in coastal waters, sinks faster than its constituent particles, and is similar in composition to the flocculent layer of the benthos. An initial study suggests that meiofauna and competent larvae of benthic macrofauna, when in the water column, are associated with marine snow. This project will build on the initial study by testing the following hypotheses: 1) The association between benthic meiofauna/larvae and marine snow is dependent on the pelagic abundance, composition and developmental stage of meiofauna/larvae, the time of day, and height of the bottom. 2) Benthic meiofauna/larvae actively enter marine snow upon contact. 3) Meiofauna/larvae affect the formation and breakdown of marine snow. This research will contribute to our understanding of the biology and adaptive value of the planktonic existence of benthic organisms, processes affecting sinking and deposition of these organisms, and benthic-pelagic exchange.