Changes in zooplankton communities from epipelagic to lower mesopelagic waters

Zooplankton form a trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic levels, and exert significant influence on the vertical transport of carbon through the water column ('biological carbon pump'). Using a MultiNet we sampled and studied mesozooplankton communities (i.e. >0.2 mm) from six locations around Bermuda targeting four depth zones: ∼0-200 m, ∼200-400 m, ∼400-600 m (deep-scattering layer), and ∼600-800 m. Copepoda, our focal taxonomic group, consistently dominated samples (∼80% relative abundance). We report declines in zooplankton and copepod abundance with depth, concurrent with decreases in food availability. Taxonomic richness was lowest at depth and below the deep-scattering layer. In contrast, copepod diversity peaked at these depths, suggesting lower competitive displacement in these more food-limited waters. Finally, omnivory and carnivory, were the dominant trophic traits, each one affecting the biological carbon pump in a different way. This highlights the importance of incorporating data on zooplankton food web structure in future modelling of global ocean carbon cycling.