FOOD WEB

Scientists study key elements of the food web that affect the abundance and distribution of fish larvae. Primary production by microscopic plants known as phytoplankton forms the base of this food web. The phytoplankton feeds the zooplankton which in turn feeds fish larvae. By measuring the fluorescence of the chlorophyll in phytoplankton, FOCI scientists can determine where and when phytoplankton population explosions (blooms) occur and whether conditions will be favorable for zooplankton. The coupling of the phytoplankton bloom with the developing zooplankton community is important to good survival and growth of fish larvae.