Robertson et al: Mesopelagic faunal transition . . .

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

Mesopelagic faunal transition across the Subtropical Convergence east of New Zealand

D. A. ROBERTSON

P. E. ROBERTS

Fisheries Research Division,
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box 19062,
Wellington, New Zealand

J. B. WILSON

Botany Department,
University of Otago, P.O. Box 56,
Dunedin, New Zealand

Abstract The winter distributions of mesopelagic fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods across the Subtropical Convergence east of New Zealand are shown to reflect the hydrological changes associated with convergence of Subtropical and Subantarctic Surface Waters. Samples collected in the upper 400 m in each of these water masses and in mixed water over the Chatham Rise contained members of faunal associations apparently characteristic for each area. The area of strongest hydrological change was characterised, at least for fishes and crustaceans, by a considerable decrease in species richness. Use of cluster analysis confirmed the clear correpondence between geographic species associations and water masses.

N.Z. Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 12 (4): 295-312.
Received 15 June 1977; revision received 15 May 1978. Fisheries Research Division Publication 320.

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