Comparison of the Distribution, Abundance, and Diversity of Zooplankton in Trevor Channel and Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island, Canada

Senior thesis written for Oceanography 444

[author abstract] The objective of this study is to compare the distribution, abundance and diversity of zooplankton species in the differing ecosystems of Trevor Channel and Alberni Inlet in Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island, Canada. This study was conducted to evaluate which zooplankton species rely on coastal, low circulation waters in Alberni Inlet, as opposed to those that are found in the open, high circulation waters of Trevor Channel. The cruise took place aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson on January 26-February 3, 2013. The results show that Trevor Channel has cooler temperatures and higher saline waters than Alberni Inlet. The water parameters, temperature and salinity, and depths of the stations within these channels control the distribution, abundance, and diversity of zooplankton species.

University of Washington School of Oceanography