Pandalid shrimps in a tidewater-glacier fjord, Aialik Bay, Alaska
Carpenter TA. 1983. Pandalid shrimps in a tidewater-glacier fjord, Aialik Bay, Alaska. University of Alaska. Fairbanks, AK
(Adapted from author's abstract.) The objectives of this study (which commenced in December 1979) were to 1) characterize the suspended-sediment load, the organic content of bottom sediments, and the zooplanktonic and benthic organisms of Aialik Bay; 2) determine pandalid shrimp distribution relative to Aialik Glacier and to substrate characteristics; 3) determine the vertical distribution and diel migration patterns of shrimp relative to the suspended-sediment load; and 4) determine shrimp food resources. Suspended sediments from subglacial streams resulted in Secchi depths of 0.4-1.0 m near the glacier, increasing with distance from the glacier to 1.0-5.0 m near the sill. A large proportion of the shrimp responded to reduced light in the upper bay by remaining in midwater throughout the day and night. Shrimp food resources, represented by zooplankton and benthos, were reduced in abundance and diversity near the glacier as compared to the region near the sill. Shrimp fed more intensively near or at the bottom than in midwater. The most common food items are described.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Carpenter, Terry
- Date of Issue
- 1983
- Publisher
- University of Alaska
- Units
- KEFJ
- Keywords
- Aialik Bay, Diet, Glacial fjords, Kenai Fjords National Park, Marine Invertebrates, Pandalus spp., Sediments, Shrimp, Stomach contents analysis, Zooplankton