Abundance, composition, and sinking rates of fish fecal pellets in the Santa Barbara Channel

Sci Rep. 2012:2:716. doi: 10.1038/srep00716. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

Rapidly sinking fecal pellets are an important component of the vertical flux of particulate organic matter (POM) from the surface to the ocean's interior; however, few studies have examined the role fish play in this export. We determined abundance, size, prey composition, particulate organic carbon/nitrogen (POC/PON), and sinking rates of fecal pellets produced by a forage fish, likely the northern anchovy, in the Santa Barbara Channel. Pellet abundance ranged from 0.1-5.9 pellets m(-3). POC and PON contents averaged 21.7 µg C pellet(-1) and 2.7 µg N pellet(-1). The sinking rate averaged 787 m d(-1); thus pellets produced at the surface would reach the benthos (~500 m) in <1 day. Estimated downward flux of fish fecal POC reached a maximum of 251 mg C m(-2) d(-1). This is equal to or exceeds previous measurements of sediment trap POM flux, and thus may transport significant amounts of repackaged surface material to depth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Feces*
  • Fishes*
  • Particle Size
  • Particulate Matter / analysis*
  • Rivers*
  • Water Pollutants / analysis*

Substances

  • Particulate Matter
  • Water Pollutants