Dynamics of Copepod Faecal Pellets in Relation to a Phaeocystis Dominated Phytoplankton Bloom: Characteristics, Production and Flux

Copepod faecal pellet characteristics and production were measuredin spring 1995, 1996 and 1997 in the North Sea Southern Bightin order to define changes due to the development of the phytoplanktonbloom. Changes were related to the succession from diatomsto a Phaeocystis sp. bloom. Mean monthly pellet productiondecreased during the Phaeocystis bloom development to 0.27 pelletsind. ^–1 h ^–1, approximately 80% lower than beforeand after the bloom. Although phytoplanktonic pigments showedsignificant differences between inshore and offshore stations,there was no such significant difference for faecal pellet production.Faecal pellet sinking-rate decreased from 100 to 70 m day ^–1during the transition from a diatom- to a Phaeocystis-dominatedbloom. This was due to a decrease in pellet density and/or adecrease of the pellet volume. These results supported the ideaof lower feeding of copepods under Phaeocystis bloom conditions.As mean seasonal density of copepod faecal pellets was higher(1.37 g cm ^–3) than in other seas, accidental ingestionof sedimentary material as the cause of this high density isdiscussed.