Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

CS04 Benthic-Pelagic Coupling: Seasonality, Pulses, and Flux

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 3:45:00 PM

Location: Mesilla

Thompson, R, J, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada, thompson@mun.ca

Parrish, C, C, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada, cparrish@mun.ca

Deibel, D, , Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada, ddeibel@mun.ca

Saliot, A, , Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, FRANCE, saliot@ccr.jussieu.fr

LIPID CLASSES, FATTY ACIDS AND STEROLS IN SUPRABENTHIC AND BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES IN A COLD OCEAN COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Lipids in 18 species of suprabenthic and benthic invertebrates from 6 phyla were measured to determine nutritional content and trophic relationships. Samples were collected in Conception Bay, Newfoundland with a dredge and a suprabenthic sled from 3/96 to 8/98. The mysid Erythrops contained the greatest amount of lipid (6% wet weight), while a holothurian species contained the least (0.3%). In Erythrops, 75% of the lipids were in neutral (storage) lipids while in the holothurian 68% were in polar (membrane) lipids. The euphausid Thysanoessa had the highest essential omega-3 fatty acid proportions (41% total fatty acids) while the holothurian had the lowest (21%). Higher plant sterols were significant contributors to holothurian sterols while macroalgal sterols contributed significantly to the sterol pool of the mysid Pseudomma. The amphipods Acanthostephia and Anonyx responded immediately to each spring bloom by increasing total and neutral lipid contents, whereas Pseudomma increased the proportions of omega-3 fatty acids. Thus several strategies are apparently used to sequester lipids in the suprabenthic and benthic food webs which together may optimize use of sinking bloom and other plant material.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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