Variations in copepod composition and diversity in relation to eutrophication and hydrology in İzmir Bay, Aegean Sea

Hyrographic and trophic gradient along Izmir Bay used to assess their effects on the copepod composition and diversity. Trophic state of the bay varied from oligotrophic in the outer region to hypertrophic condition in the inner region as stated by trophic index (TRIX). Aegean Sea water entrance and trophic conditions of the bay affected species assemblages. Oithona davisae, Oithona nana and Acartia clausi were associated with hyper-eutrophic conditions whereas the typical Aegean Sea species, such as Oncaea media group, Oithona similis, Paracalanus parvus, A. clausi, Farranula rostrata and Calocalanus styliremis were related to oligotrophic condition. Copepod diversity indices decreased linearly along the trophic gradient, from oligotrophic to hyper-eutrophic conditions, highlighting the substantial impact of eutrophication on the copepod community structure in the inner region. These findings emphasize TRIX's value in assessing eutrophication in anthropized systems, and immense potential for using copepod composition and diversity in monitoring programs for ecological assessments studies.