Ria de Aveiro (Canal de Mira, Canal de Ilhavo, Canal de Navegacao, Canal da Vila, Canal do Espinheiro, Canal do Parrachil, Largo do Laranjo, Largo do Muranzel, Canal de S. Jacinto) (northwestern coast of Portugal)

Chlorophyll pigment concentrations in water bodies; Vertical velocity of the water column (currents); Salinity of the water column; Horizontal velocity of the water column (currents); Temperature of the water column; Zooplankton taxonomy-related abundance per unit volume of the water column; Zooplankton feeding

Sea level recorders; fluorometers; plankton nets; salinity sensor; current meters

The objective of this project is to study the ecology of the planktonic phases of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs of Ria de Aveiro. Their temporal and spatial dynamics (e.g. abundance, distribution, tidal transport, retention areas, predation, food availability) were studied in detail with special attention on the study of the influence of tidal, diel and lunar cycles to the abundances and strategies of behaviour of zooplankton. The project was carried out in different phases. Firstly the planktonic phases of a certain number of target species of biological or economical importance were characterized. Secondly using different sampling designs, the ecological factors (biotic and abiotic) known to affect recruitment were studied in detail.

Morgado, F. (1989) Variacae sazonal e distribuicao espacial do zooplancton do Canal de Mira (Ria de Aveiro). Rev. Biol. U. Aveiro, Vol. 3, 21-59., ; Morgado, F. (1991) Zooplancton da Ria de Aveiro. Composicao e distribuicao das comunidades do Canal de Mira num ciclo anual. Rev. Biol. U. Aveiro, Vol. 4, 157-172., ; Morgado, F. (1992) Zooplancton dos canais a norte da Ria de Aveiro: ciclo anual de abundancia. (in press).,

University of Aveiro, Department of Biology
Campus de Santiago
Aveiro
Aveiro
3810-193
Portugal