Abundance and biomass of meroplankton during the spring bloom in an Alaskan Bay

The composition, abundance and biomass of meroplankton in Auke Bay, Alaska, was estimated during the spring bloom, April—June, 1987–1989. Meroplankton made up 5 to 40% of the total zooplankton population and 5 to 40% of the total biomass. Barnacle nauplii and bivalve larvae were the most abundant taxa, while pagurid zoeae and barnacle nauplii contributed the most to biomass. Although meroplankton population and biomass was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in 1989 than in 1988, the percentage contribution of meroplankton to total zooplankton population and biomass was similar during both years.