Population dynamics of planktonic copepods (Calanoid and Cyclopoid) in shallow Antarctic waters (San Martin Station, Marguerite Bay) Project No. 26 2002-2004

PROJECT No. 25 2002-2004

The aim of this project is to study the seasonal structure of the dominant
species of planktonic copepods (Calanoid and Cyclopoid) in Antarctic shallow
waters. We plan to take zooplankton samples in a permanent station in
Marguerite Bay, San Martin Base, monthly or, if possible, fortnightly all
year-round. The results of this study will be compared with the ones obtained
in others areas of Antarctica to gain information about probable regional
differences in the life cycles of the investigated species and the influence of
the season (food available) on the reproduction. The following population
parameters will be analyzed: proportion of sexes and developmental stages to
determinate the age structure and the seasonal dynamic of the dominant copepod
species