Standing Stock of Nyctiphanes Simplex in the Southern Region of the California Current System

Abstract

On the west coast of Baja California, Nyctiphanes simplex is by far the most abundant euphausiid species. To determine its importance in terms of growth production (Pg), and its relation to physical changes in the southern region of the California Current System, a survey was made along the Baja California peninsula including intensive sampling areas on Bahía Vizcaíno, south of Punta Abreojos and in front of Bahía Magdalena during February 1994. The results show high values for zooplanktonic volumes, chlorophyll a concentrations, and abundance of N. simplex along the peninsula associated to inshore areas from Bahía Vizcaíno to the Golfo de Ulloa. Daily N. simplex growth production (Pg) values in Bahía Vizcaíno and South Punta Abreojos were 0.215 and 0.440 mg dw m-3 day -1respectively. In Bahía Magdalena the Pg value (0.014 mg dw m-3 day -1) was lower. Larvae (organisms