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<p>Tropical estuaries are dynamic and highly productive systems characterized by substantial freshwater discharge. They serve as essential habitats for numerous organism groups at the river–ocean interface. The Gulf of Urabá, one of the largest estuaries in Colombia, is significantly influenced by the Atrato River. This study examined the structure of the mesozooplankton community along an 80&#xa0;km salinity gradient during the dry and rainy seasons. A clear salinity gradient was observed from freshwater to marine zones. During the dry season, mesozooplankton abundance was highest near river mouths, particularly in the 250&#xa0;μm fraction. In contrast, biomass in the 500&#xa0;μm fraction peaked in deeper layers and during the rainy season. Abundance increased markedly along the gradient, from 1–10 ind/m<sup>3</sup> at oceanic stations to up to 1000 ind/m<sup>3</sup> in freshwater sites. Despite the dominant salinity gradient, sea temperature (28–31&#xa0;°C) also played a pivotal role in shaping mesozooplankton communities. Eleven mesozooplankton taxa were identified, with Calanoid copepods dominating, particularly in the dry season. These findings underscore the significance of seasonal variability and environmental gradients in shaping the structure and distribution of mesozooplankton in the Gulf of Urabá.</p>

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Short-Term Variations of Mesozooplankton in a Tropical Estuary, Caribbean Colombia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月29日

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  • Vargas Balentina,
  • Cordoba Jhonmar,
  • Riquelme-Bugueño Ramiro,
  • Florez-Leiva Lennin,
  • Rodríguez-Barrios Javier

摘要

Tropical estuaries are dynamic and highly productive systems characterized by substantial freshwater discharge. They serve as essential habitats for numerous organism groups at the river–ocean interface. The Gulf of Urabá, one of the largest estuaries in Colombia, is significantly influenced by the Atrato River. This study examined the structure of the mesozooplankton community along an 80 km salinity gradient during the dry and rainy seasons. A clear salinity gradient was observed from freshwater to marine zones. During the dry season, mesozooplankton abundance was highest near river mouths, particularly in the 250 μm fraction. In contrast, biomass in the 500 μm fraction peaked in deeper layers and during the rainy season. Abundance increased markedly along the gradient, from 1–10 ind/m3 at oceanic stations to up to 1000 ind/m3 in freshwater sites. Despite the dominant salinity gradient, sea temperature (28–31 °C) also played a pivotal role in shaping mesozooplankton communities. Eleven mesozooplankton taxa were identified, with Calanoid copepods dominating, particularly in the dry season. These findings underscore the significance of seasonal variability and environmental gradients in shaping the structure and distribution of mesozooplankton in the Gulf of Urabá.