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Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of trace metals have a profound impact on the structure and function of coastal areas; however, the metal accumulation patterns in detritus-based food webs and the influence of climatic variability have not been thoroughly investigated. The Tampamachoco Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico) is a coastal system impacted by emissions from a thermoelectric plant. We evaluated the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of Al, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, and Pb in water, sediments, and in organisms categorized by trophic levels (TLs), trophic guilds, and habitat preferences. The sediments had the highest concentrations of metals with no significant differences between seasons. The indices of geo-accumulation and potential ecological risk classified sediments as "moderately contaminated", evidencing a threat to human health through consumption of detritivores and filter-feeders. The lowest TLs (filter-feeders and detritivorous) reached the maximum Metal Pollution Index in the rainy season. According to discriminant analyses of metals and species, omnivorous and zoobentivorous organisms were associated with Hg during the rainy and dry seasons; while Al, Cd, and Cu were related to low TLs, and seston was associated with Pb. Food web magnification factor analysis showed that: (a) Pb, Cu, and Cr were biodiluted as trophic levels increased; (b) Cd and Hg showed temporal biomagnification trends; (c) Al, Pb, Cu, and Cd showed significant biodilution from the lowest TL to intermediate TLs; and (d) Hg was transferred from the lowest to intermediate TLs with clear biomagnification effects.

Environmental changes have been associated with natural climatic variability and/or human activity. External forcing as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) have implications in the global and regional hydrological balance. Previous data in the Tampamachoco lagoon, in Mexico, for the past 54 years, shows changes in the fish assemblage. Therefore, in the present study, a time series of water temperature from 1922 to 2020 data was processed detecting periodic cycles of 34 and 17 years. Additionally, multivariate analyses of the historical data from the fish assemblage from the past 54 years and 2020 were correlated with temperature anomaly and NAO; moreover, fishery catches were correlated to climatic events. Furthermore, a survey was made in 2020 to local fisheries to assess the socioeconomic impact of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tampamachoco lagoon is facing multiple stressors such as: climate variability and human activities that are leading to a collapsing ecosystem with low resilience.

The study of the feeding habits variability (spatial and temporal scales) allows us to evaluate the trophic interactions between species, thus, the short and long-term effects of the removal of different species by the presence of different phenomena. In this study, we carried out stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) and stomach content analyses to infer the trophic linkages between two snapper species (Lutjanus synagris and Lutjanus griseus) captured in the littoral of Campeche, Mexico. In total, 781 specimens were collected (528 L. synagris and 253 L. griseus) and based on relative importance index [%PSIRI] both snapper species consumed based on the prey-specific index of relative importance (PSIRI), Penaeidae family (PSIRI = 23.41%) was the most important species in the diet of Lutjanus synagris, while Callinectes sapidus (PSIRI = 21.45%) was the primary prey of Lutjanus griseus. The isotopic analyses indicated that both snapper species feed in the coastal-marine (δ15N: 10.6 to 12.1‰ and δ13C: -15.7 to -12.7‰); however, according to PERMANOVA, low diet similarity was found between snapper species (R = 0.07, P < 0.01), also, significant differences was detected in the δ15N and δ13C values between L. synagris, and L. griseus. Therefore, despite both snapper species presents similar trophic positions (L. synagris: 4.2 ± 0.2; L. griseus: 3.9 ± 0.1) and feeding behavior (according to SIBER = opportunistic predators), a low trophic overlap was observed, probably associated with the differential use of habitat in the coastal zone; where L. synagris is ecologically fed in areas of seagrass, while L. griseus is probably intermittent between pasture and mangrove areas, therefore, the role of each species is crucial in the dynamics of coastal-marine ecosystems as predators and potential structuring of the populations of their prey.

Migratory marine megafauna generally move vast distances between productive foraging grounds and environmentally stable breeding grounds, but characterizing how they use these habitats to maintain homeostasis and reproduce is difficult. We used isotope analysis of blue whale skin strata (n = 621) and potential prey (n = 300) to examine their migratory and foraging strategies in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Our results suggest that most whales in the northeast Pacific use a mixed income and capital breeding strategy, and use the California Current Ecosystem as their primary summer-fall foraging ground. A subset of individuals exhibited migratory plasticity and spend most of the year in the Gulf of California or Costa Rica Dome, two regions believed to be their primary winter-spring breeding grounds. Isotope data also revealed that whales in the southern Eastern Tropical Pacific generally do not forage in the northeast Pacific, which suggests a north-south population structure with a boundary near the equator.

Coral reefs in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are increasingly suffering from anthropogenic nutrient inputs principally from fertilizers as identified by their δ15N signatures. To determine if primary producers are passively affected by anthropogenic nitrogen enrichment in a coral reef community, carbon: nitrogen ratios (C:N mol mol−1) were measured. The C:N ratio was used as a proxy for nitrogen enrichment in primary producers when the ratio decreases, and for lipid plus carbohydrate in terms of C, and protein in terms of N in primary producers and consumers. Lipid classes and the triacylglycerol to sterol (TAG:ST) ratio were used to evaluate energy storage as an indication of nutritional quality in the six most abundant primary producers, and of nutritional condition in ten ubiquitous consumers in a coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico under river influence. A low C:N ratio revealed nitrogen enrichment in primary producers. Among the lipids, high TAG proportions were detected in phytoplankton and zooxanthellae suggesting that they have a higher nutritional quality in terms of energy, followed by sea grass, mangrove, and macroalgae. During the rainy season TAG:ST increased in primary consumers such as echinoderms, and top predators such as the perciform fish Bodianus rufus, Ocyurus chrysurus and Caranx hippos, suggesting an increase in energy storage. In contrast, TAG:ST decreased in the principal habitat providing coral Montastrea cavernosa, along with a decrease in the phospholipid proportion suggesting a poor nutritional condition. There were three species with no change in their TAG:ST ratio: the sponge Aplysina sp., the masked goby Coryphopterus personatus and the surgeon fish Achanturus chirurgus. The lower value of TAG, TAG:ST ratio and phospholipid proportion in the coral M. cavernosa suggests that the reported abundance of zooplankton does not satisfy the energy demand of M. cavernosa during the rainy season.

Trophic interactions in food webs must be considered in order to assess the trophic role of different species in the ecological network structure as well as the relationship between resource use and interactions between different organisms. Such studies provide important information for ecosystem-based fisheries management. Thus, our goal was to analyze the trophic overlap between blue shark ( Prionace glauca ) and shortfin mako ( Isurus oxyrinchus ) off the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, in order to infer their diet preferences and spatial distribution. We sampled the dorsal white muscle of 39 P. glauca and 35 I. oxyrinchus in December 2009 and March 2011. No significant differences between sexes or maturity stage were identified for P. glauca from either sampling location, indicating similar foraging preferences. For I. oxyrinchus , there was a significant difference in the δ 13 C values for males and females, suggesting different foraging preferences or movement patterns. The trophic positions and the SIBER analysis assigned to both tertiary predators in this study indicate that P. glauca is a specialist, while I. oxyrinchus is a generalist. Significant differences were also identified in the δ 15 N and δ 13 C values for P. glauca and I. oxyrinchus , indicating low overlap between these two shark species. These patterns suggest that these two sharks have different trophic preferences and migratory histories; thus, each species plays a unique trophic role off the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Environmental changes have been associated with natural climatic variability or human activity. Water resources management is, perhaps, the most drastic change observed in the coastal environment. However, external forcings such as the El Nino event have important implications in the global and regional hydrological balance. These environmental changes have an impact on the density and biomass of the ichthyofauna in the Terminos Lagoon (TL) for the past 30 years, presumably, associated with variations in the temperature and surface salinity of the sea. Therefore, in the present study, δ18O was quantified in otoliths of two important species due to their dominance: Stellifer lanceolatus and Eucinostomus gula, and to understand the environmental changes reflected in both species. The δ18O was analyzed in otoliths of these two species captured in 1998/1997, 2006/2007 and 2016/2017 and were compared with in situ temperature and salinity data. Sea surface temperature and salinity increased by 2 °C and 9, respectively, between 1997 and 2017. Stellifer lanceolatus δ18O values was in isotopic equilibrium with seawater calcite; while, E. gula is not in isotopic equilibrium. The δ18O of S. lanceolatus and E. gula varied significantly with the increase in salinity (R2 = 0.8987 and R2 = −0.2964) and not with the sea surface temperature. S. lanceolatus is an excellent bioindicator of changes in sea surface salinity in this region of the Gulf of Mexico.

Rationale Distinct techniques employed to preserve different types of tissues may affect stable isotope analyses conducted on samples, and this is critical when field work takes place in remote areas. To investigate this, the stable isotope ratios (δ13 C and δ15 N values) obtained using two methods commonly used to preserve humpback whale (and other cetaceans) skin samples were compared. Methods A total of 54 pairs of skin samples of humpback whales from the southern Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, were preserved in ethanol (90%) and by freezing, between 2007 and 2009. The δ13 C and δ15 N values were determined using a PDZ Europa ANCA-GSL elemental analyzer interfaced to a PDZ Europe 20-20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare the isotopic results. Results A significant (t = 4.93; p = 0.000003) variation of −0.92‰ was found between the mean δ13 C values in ethanol (from −19.38‰ to −16.07‰; mean = −17.86‰) and freezing (from −20.67‰ to −16.44‰; mean = −18.78‰) techniques. No significant (U = 1314, p = 0.38) differences were observed in the δ15 N values. The δ13 C values were compared between preservation methods for each of the three years under analysis. Significant differences were observed in 2007 (t = 3.45; p = 0.0012) and 2008 (t = 3.13; p = 0.0030), but not for 2009 (t = 1.66; p = 0.12). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the use of ethanol to preserve humpback whale skin samples collected for stable isotope analysis is not recommended, particularly regarding the analysis of δ13 C values. This study serves as a point of reference for future research on humpback whales or other whales involving skin samples preserved by freezing or in ethanol.

Intra-population resource partitioning is a foraging strategy that could minimize intra-specific competition. This behavior may be ecologically relevant for species in recovery like the Guadalupe fur seal Arctocephalus philippii townsendi (GFS), which was considered extinct 70–80 years ago. The present study provides, via scat and stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analyses, trophic knowledge around GFSs from Guadalupe Island just prior to and the 2013 breeding season, with emphasis on inter-individual variability. A total of 107 scat samples were analyzed, and 98 neonate fur samples (proxies for adult female foraging) were isotopically assessed. The overall trophic spectrum included 12 items, with a slight increase in diversity among main prey during the second half of the breeding season. The isotopic analysis revealed three distinct groups, reflecting apparent variations in trophic position and coastal/oceanic habitat use. As in previous studies, a mostly teutophagous diet was clear; however, our work is the first to identify inter-individual prey and habitat partitioning. Based on our results and those of other studies, GFSs exhibited an opportunistic foraging strategy across the breeding season. Both analyses were complementary in terms of diversification and useful for the understanding GFS foraging strategies, which are relevant to evaluating population recovery as factors such as prey availability is suggested to be critical to this species recovery.

Habitat degradation can affect trophic ecology by differentially affecting specialist and generalist species, and the number and type of interspecific relationships. However, the effects of habitat degradation on the trophic ecology of coral reefs have received limited attention. We compared the trophic structure and food chain length between two shallow Caribbean coral reefs similar in size and close to each other: one dominated by live coral and the other by macroalgae (i.e., degraded). We subjected samples of basal carbon sources (particulate organic matter and algae) and the same 48 species of consumers (invertebrates and fishes) from both reefs to stable isotope analyses, and determined the trophic position of consumers and relative importance of various carbon sources for herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. We found that both reefs had similar food chain length and trophic structure, but different trophic pathways. On the coral-dominated reef, turf algae and epiphytes were the most important carbon source for all consumer categories, whereas on the degraded reef, particulate organic matter was a major carbon source for carnivores. Our results suggest that the trophic structure of the communities associated with these reefs is robust enough to adjust to conditions of degradation.

The Terminos Lagoon is located in the south-eastern Gulf of Mexico and is ecologically and economically important due to its biological diversity of valuable fish and wildlife resources. It is adjacent to the Campeche Bank in the southern Gulf of Mexico, which is well known for its intensive production of fuel and gas. Therefore, the aims of this study are to characterize zones that are influenced by biogenic and/or lithogenic processes, based on the geochemistry of specific chemical elements. For this study, elements such as Al, As, Ca, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were determined in surface sediments. The V:Ni ratio does not indicate the presence of fuel in the sediment. The enrichments of Ni and Ca were quantified, and their distributions were found to be indicative of lithogenic influence in the western area of the lagoon at Boca del Carmen and predominantly biogenic influence at the eastern area of the lagoon in Puerto Real.

RATIONALE The jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas is a fishery resource of considerable economic and ecological importance in the Mexican Pacific. Studies on its habitat preferences are needed to understand recent fluctuations in the abundance and availability of the species. Stable isotope analysis allows us to infer ecological aspects such as spatial distribution and trophic preferences. METHODS We used an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, automated for carbonate analysis, and coupled to an elemental analyzer, to determine the isotopic composition of statoliths (δ18 O and δ13 C values) and beaks (δ13 C and δ15 N values) from 219 individuals caught over two fishing seasons (2007 and 2009) off the coast of Santa Rosalia, in the central Gulf of California. We used these isotopic ratios to assess variation in spatial and trophic preferences by sex, size, and fishing season. RESULTS In the 2009 group, we observed significant differences in statolith δ13 C values and beak δ13 C and δ15 N values between males and females. Between size groups, we observed significant differences in statolith δ18 O and δ13 C values in 2007 and in beak δ13 C and δ15 N values during both seasons. Both seasons were characterized by high overlap in δ18 O and δ13 C values between sexes and in 2009 between size groups. We observed low trophic overlap between sexes in 2009 and between size groups during both seasons. CONCLUSIONS The isotopic ratios from statoliths and beaks indicate that D. gigas has changed its spatial and trophic preferences, a shift that is probably related to changes in the species' diet. This intraspecific variation in preferences could be related to characteristics such as size, which may influence squid distribution preferences.

Wastewater pollution in seagrass has been documented for decades. In areas where baseline data are lacking, such as the Mexican Caribbean, the δ15N of seagrass can provide information on status and trends. The aims of this study were to determine the spatial and temporal variation in δ15N values of T. testudinum from 2009 to 2017, to explore the nature and causes of isotopic variability, which must be fully understood, and to examine how isotopic variability is linked to wastewater on the coast. Samples of T. testudinum were collected during 2011–2017 in Cancún and from 2009 to 2017 in Mahahual, and analysed on a mass spectrometer. The δ15N values in Cancún (9.0±1.3 ‰) were significantly (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate how Crassostrea corteziensis interacts with its habitat (abiotic factors) and to examine the isotopic variations that may exist over different scales of space and time at a subtropical gradient. This information will contribute to the work required to understand the ecology of this oyster species. We analyzed stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in oyster soft tissue and the concentrations of chlorophyll a, NH4 +, and NO3 - in the waters of 6 lagoons during the dry and rainy seasons of 2008 and 2009. The mean C:N ratios in soft tissue were generally greater than 3.5 in the different lagoons and during both seasons, indicating a relatively high amount of lipids in the soft tissue related to reproductive activity. The isotopic variability between sites in this study (-25.5 to — 17.1‰ for δ13C and 6.5 to 13.7‰ for δ15N) suggested differences in the composition of suspended organic matter in the diet of this species at different locations, showing an opportunistic beh...

Nutrient inputs associated with population growth threaten the integrity of coastal ecosystems. To assess the rapid increase in tourism, we compared the δ15N from Thalassia testudinum collected at sites with different levels of tourism development to detect the N inputs of wastewater discharge (WD) along the coast of Quintana Roo. The contributions of nitrogen enriched in 15N are directly related to the increase of WD inputs in areas of tourism development (Nichupte Lagoon in Cancun) and decreased toward Bahia Akumal and Tulum. The δ15N from T. testudinum was significantly lower at Mahahual and Puerto Morelos. In areas of the lowest development and with tourist activity restricted, such as the Yum Balam Reserve and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the δ15N values were relatively enriched compared to Mahahual and Puerto Morelos. Therefore, Puerto Morelos and Mahahual may be used for baseline isotopic monitoring where tourist activities are growing and can lead to environmental pressure on the reef lagoon ecosystem. The anthropogenic N input has the potential to impact, both environmentally and economically, the seagrass meadows and the coral reefs along the coast of Quintana Roo and the Caribbean.

The aim of this study was to determine whether juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) use the south-eastern Gulf of California as a nursery and feeding area. This information could help lay the groundwork required for the conservation of this endangered species. To address this, we carried out stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) and stomach content analyses of sharks caught between 2000 and 2004 in Mazatlan, Mexico. Stomach contents and δ13C values indicated that S. lewini is a predator that feeds on benthic prey near the coast. Differences in δ15N average values between sizes classes ( 100 cm) suggest that there was an ontogenetic change in this shark’s feeding habits and also in their living environment (from benthic areas to pelagic areas). The trophic position indicated that S. lewini is a tertiary consumer, but with a high degree of trophic plasticity, and thus, different trophic roles, highlighting the importance of this predator as a regulator of prey populations. Finally, the linear isotopic relationship between S. lewini and its prey indicates a long residency within the Mazatlan area. Our results demonstrate that the south-eastern Gulf of California is a nursery area that offers abundant food for juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and fatty acids (FAs) revealed primary producer organic carbon sources that fuel a coral reef food web with river influence. A stable isotope mixing model was used to assess the relative contribution of six different primary producers to nine of the most ubiquitous invertebrate and fish consumer’s bulk carbon. Mangrove and phytoplankton were difficult to differentiate in some consumers; likely solutions involved one or the other but not both at the same time. FA concentration in upper trophic levels was corrected for the primary producer’s relative contribution according to the mixing model, and FA retention was evaluated using a calculated trophic retention factor (TRF). The C18 FAs, 18:2v6 and 18:3v3, were plentiful in mangrove, sea grass, and green algae, but decreased across trophic levels with a TRF # 1, probably due to decomposition of drifting leaves and then consumer metabolism. In contrast, macroalgae and phytoplankton FAs, 24:1v9, and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), arachidonic acid (ARA) 20:4v6, docosapentanoic acid (DPA) 22:5v3, and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) 22:6v3, showed trophic accumulation (TRF . 1), while eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) 20:5v3 had similar concentrations across trophic levels (TRF 5 1), suggesting the following degrees of HUFA retention: DHA . ARA . EPA. This study indicates that phytoplankton are the major source of essential dietary nutrients for all fish, and that dietary energy from mangroves is transferred to juvenile fish Caranx hippos, while sea grass nonessential FAs are transferred to the entire food web. Moreover, among the species studied, the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter is the major consumer of brown and green algae, while red algae were also consumed by the surgeon fish Acanthurus chirurgus.

This study confirms the diet and determines the trophic position of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) and spinetail devil ray (Mobula japanica) in the south-west Gulf of California. There has been an active fishery in the area for these filter-feeding elasmobranchs, which are highly susceptible to exploitation due to low fecundity and long lifespan. However, information on their basic biology is scarce. δ13C and δ15N values of devil rays and zooplankton (sorted according to trophic level: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores) were determined over a period of 11 months, to allow for isotopic temporal variations in isotopic signals at the base of the food web. On the basis of fractionation factors we determined that bentfin and spinetail devil rays fed mainly on Nyctiphanes simplex, the most abundant euphausiid in neritic waters of the Gulf of California. The trophic positions obtained for the devil rays correspond to second level consumers.

The state of Michoacan, one of the states with the lowest economic development in Mexico, has been historically recognized because of its potential for tourism activities. The revenues coming from this economic sector, as well as the number of tourists who visit this state have significantly increased during the last few years. A survey was conducted on tourists who visited Michoacan, in order to determine the visitors' profile and their satisfaction levels during their visit. A cluster analysis was then used to categorize the lifestyle of these tourists into five different segments, to be able to develop the best tourism products, marketing strategies and aid the decision-making process of government and private organizations related to this sector. A regression analysis was also performed to identify the variables that determine the satisfaction of these tourists. The results are satisfactory in the sense that the actions taken, which were based on this research and led by the Ministry of Tourism of Michoacan and the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, have attracted more national and international groups, and have also increased the revenues, profits and new investments reported by private organizations related to this economic sector.

Total organic carbon (TOC) content, total nitrogen (TN) content, elemental (C and N), and isotopic (d13C-TOC) composition of organic matter derived from both marine and terrestrial sources constrain the relative contributions from marine productivity, the mangroves, and the continental wind erosion of 36 carbonate-free surface sediments along the southwestern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. In general, the spatial patterns of TOC, TN, C:N ratio and d13C-TOC are similar. The maximum content of TOC (14.5%) and TN (1.6%) were measured inside the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The stable carbon isotopic compositions were enriched in 12C in surface sediments at suboxic sites within the OMZ. The C:N ratio and δ13C-TOC values indicated that the organic sediment material is predominantly of marine origin, with a minor contribution from the terrestrial source or mangroves. In the stations near to the coast, the high values of the C:N ratio and the depleted 13C values suggest a proportionally greater accumulation of terrestrial organic matter. The terrestrial-derived organic carbon content is 40% at the stations near to the coast, based on a Mixing Model of End Members.

The abundance of major components (Fe, Ca, K, and organic carbon) and trace elements was analyzed in surface sediments and core samples from the Colorado River delta (CRD) and the Upper Gulf of California (UGC) using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The spatial distribution patterns of the elements studied are consistent with the model of sedimentary dynamics proposed for this area [Mar. Geol. 158 (1999) 125]: intense tidal resuspension of sediments in the delta with subsequent transport of suspended particulate matter in a southerly direction, followed by sedimentation of fine-grained material in a depocenter near the southwestern margin of the UGC. Concentrations of most of the elements are higher in the surface sediments of this depocenter. The gradual mixing of terrigenous and marine biogenic materials, normally expected for the estuarine sediments, was not detected in the CRD–UGC system because of homogenization of the sediments by tides and wind. Vertical profiles of element contents in samples of the sediment core collected in the depocenter area revealed (i) almost no anthropogenic contamination of the area by environmentally important trace elements such as Cr, Co, Sb, and As; (ii) a twofold decrease of Fe, Sc, Cr, and Co in upper core sediments; and (iii) the enrichment of the sediments at 60–62 cm depth in the core, in calcium carbonate, Ca, Sr, and the Eun/Smn shale-normalized ratio along with a depletion in this layer of Fe, Sc, Cr, Co, light rare-earth elements (REEs), and some other elements of terrigenous origin, presumably caused by the dilution of fluvial terrigenous material by biogenic carbonates, which were probably introduced at this level in the sediments by the action of a strong episodic winter storm, followed by the advective transport of shell fragments from the coastal clam banks or as a result of strong planktonic bloom. D 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Del 22 al 24 de junio de 1989, se tomaron datos de temperatura, salinidad, oxígeno disuelto, nitratos, fosfatos (a profundidades entre 0 y 300 m), velocidad y dirección del viento, en una red de 35 estaciones hidrográficas en la costa del Pacífico frente a Bahía San Hipólito, B.C.S. Asimismo, se determinó la biomasa de zooplancton y se analizó la comunidad de copépodos estimando su abundancia y diversidad. El registro promedio de dirección y velocidad del viento fue de 309oNO y 6.7 m s-1, respectivamente. El coeficiente de correlación entre sigma-t y la concentración de NOs-1 en el intervalo de densidad de 25.0 a 26.0 fue 0.67 (r, con 95% de confianza). En general, las mayores concentraciones de biomasa zooplanctónica se encontraron en las estaciones costeras más frías. Se identificaron 33 especies de copépodos, entre las cuales predominó Calanus paci’cus (91%) y en menor abundancia Pleuromamma abdominalis (6.2%) y Calanus minor (0.7). La taxocenosis de copépodos presentó, en conjunto, dominio de fauna de transición, con especies de origen templado-tropical. Con base en la velocidad del viento y la distribución de nitratos, se estimó que se transportan hacia la zona eufótica 80 milimolesde N03‘lm-2 d-1, que equivalen a una producción nueva de aproximadamente 6.4 g C m-2 d-1. Esta se considera alta en comparación con otras zonas de surgencia y aparentemente mantiene altas biomasas de zooplancton en las estaciones más cercanas a la costa.