Bioluminescence in the high Arctic during the polar night
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Copyright © 2012 by J. Berge, A.S. Batnes, G. Johnsen, S.M. Blackwell and M.A. Moline. This article was published by Springer through Springer Open Choice program. The original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1798-0.
Abstract
This study examines the composition and activity of the planktonic community during the polar night in the high Arctic Kongsfjord, Svalbard. Our results are the first published evidence of bioluminescence among zooplankton during the Arctic polar night. The observations were collected by a bathyphotometer detecting bioluminescence, integrated into an autonomous underwater vehicle, to determine the concentration and intensity of bioluminescent flashes as a function of time of day and depth. To further understand community dynamics and composition, plankton nets were used to collect organisms passing through the bathyphotometer along with traditional vertical net tows. Additionally, using a moored bathyphotometer closed to the sampling site, the bioluminescence potential itself was shown not to have a diurnal or circadian rhythm. Rather, our results provide evidence for a diel vertical migration of bioluminescent zooplankton that does not correspond to any externally detectable changes in illumination.
Suggested Citation
J. Berge, A.S. Båtnes, G. Johnsen, S.M. Blackwell, and Mark A. Moline. "Bioluminescence in the high Arctic during the polar night" Marine Biology 159.1 (2012): 231-237.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mmoline/72