Field studies of bioluminescence in Bransfield Strait in 2022

In January 2022, during scientific cruise 87 on the RV Academic Mstislav Keldysh in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, three hydrobiophysical cross-sections were performed in the Bransfield Strait. Bioluminescent signals were measured in a layer of 0-200 m at each of the 24 stations located at three sites. For the first time, a new hydrobiological system 'Salpa MA +' was used, which made it possible to obtain novel data in the photic layer of the studied water area. Bioluminescence studies were accompanied by simultaneous measurements of background indicators: temperature, electrical conductivity, photosynthetically active radiation, and they were compared with the data from plankton samples processing. Bioluminescent potential was registered at almost all the stations. The maximum level of bioluminescence was registered in the area of the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands, where the maximum accumulation of Salpa thompsoni, Foxton 1861 was noted. The purpose of this work is to identify the main factors and patterns affecting the intensity of the bioluminescence field in the region under study.