Zooplankton and fisheries

Abstract

Zooplankton are considered as the chief index of utilization of aquatic biotope at the secondary trophic level. The intensity of zooplankton aggregation depends on their ability to counter dispersion, phytoplankton growth, grazing rates, predator/prey relationship and reproductive strategies. The zooplankton patchiness is utilizEd. by higher trophic levels, particularly by pelagic fish species and larvae. In the upwelling areas, the zooplankton standing stock (biomass) is higher and zooplankton community is dominatEd. by herbivores. Zooplankton constitutes the main food item of several economic important animals. The pelagic fishes migrate in shoals to the feeding ground rich in food and hence zooplankton are used as indicators of rich potential fishing grounds.