Trans-Atlantic Study of Calanus: Large Scale Distribution, Life History and Predation

This task of the TASC programme addressed these topics on different spatial and temporal scales. The aim was to map large scale and seasonal distribution patterns and establish the degree of genetic coherence of Calanus in the northern Seas.

Variations in population structure and distribution were studied along latitudinal gradients to establish how temporal and geographic patterns in physics, primary production and predation pressure influence generation development, life history and behaviour. As part of this task, investigations into the following sub-topics were undertaken: 1) Large Scale Field Survey 2) Comparative Time Series Sampling programme 3) Calanus in different light and predatory regimes 4) Data Management 5) Modelling the effect of large scale advection and life cycle strategies Cruises: Topic 1: June 19-July 16, 1997 RV Johan Hjort (IMR) Topic 3: Jan 4-11, 1996 RV Hakon Mosby (IMR) Feb 10-17, 1996 RV Hakon Mosby (IMR) Nov 6-10, 1996 RV Hakon Mosby (IMR) June 19-July 16, 1997 RV Johan Hjort (IMR) IMR: Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway