Hydrographic Influences on Seasonal Variations in Zooplankton Communities of Taiwan Bank (Southern Taiwan Strait)

Authors

Bor-Shyr Chen, Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
Frank Paolo Jay B. Albarico, Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
Mark Ariel D. Malto, Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
Aiza D. Gabriel, Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
Chiu-Wen Chen, Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan
Cheng-Di Dong, Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

Understanding the factors that control ocean productivity is crucial in fisheries management. Taiwan Bank, located between the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, is a highly productive ecosystem due to upwelling events. The total zooplankton community (holozooplankton and merozooplankton), diversity, seasonal changes, and environmental drivers remain unexplored despite its productivity. This study evaluates the seasonal and vertical environmental dynamics in the Taiwan Bank and their impacts on the zooplankton community structure. We collected zooplankton and basic water parameters in March, July, and September 2017 at 5, 25, and 50 meters. We recorded significant seasonal changes in zooplankton composition and vertical distribution. Basic and multivariate analyses showed significant seasonal changes (ppp3) supply during the summer season drove plankton blooms. Non-metric multidimensional scaling also showed variable zooplankton community diversity and distribution between seasons, mainly influenced by temperature, salinity, water mass characteristics, seasonal currents, and surface and nutrient dynamics. These factors affecting the zooplankton community distribution were further depicted using canonical correspondence analysis, highlighting the influence of silicate (SiO₂) in spring and nitrate (NO₃), salinity, and temperature. The study reveals that upwelling, particularly during warm summers, significantly impacts Taiwan Bank's primary and secondary productivity, providing valuable insights into ocean dynamics and effective fisheries management in Taiwan Bank.

Recommended Citation

Chen, Bor-Shyr; Albarico, Frank Paolo Jay B.; Malto, Mark Ariel D.; Gabriel, Aiza D.; Chen, Chiu-Wen; and Dong, Cheng-Di (2025) "Hydrographic Influences on Seasonal Variations in Zooplankton Communities of Taiwan Bank (Southern Taiwan Strait)," Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan: Vol. 33: Iss. 4, Article 18.
DOI: 10.51400/2709-6998.2801
Available at: https://jmstt.ntou.edu.tw/journal/vol33/iss4/18