Multi-scale distribution and dynamics of bivalve larvae in a deep atoll lagoon (Ahe, French Polynesia)

Type Article
Date 2012
Language English
Author(s) Thomas Yoann1, 2, Garen Pierre2, Bennett Auguste2, Le Pennec Marcel3, Clavier Jacques4
Affiliation(s) 1 : IFREMER, DPFOM LPI, F-29840 Presquile Du Vivier, Argenton, France.
2 : IFREMER, COP, Taravao 98719, Tahiti, Fr Polynesia.
3 : Univ Polynesie Francaise, Faaa 98702, Tahiti, Fr Polynesia.
4 : CNRS, UMR LEMAR 6539, IUEM, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
Source Marine Pollution Bulletin (0025-326X) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2012 , Vol. 65 , N. 10-12 , P. 453-462
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.12.028
WOS© Times Cited 22
Keyword(s) Bivalve larvae, Distribution patterns, Vertical migration, Pinctada margaritifera settlement, Deep atoll lagoon, French Polynesia
Abstract Bivalve larvae and hydrographic parameters were sampled over a range of spatio-temporal scales in a deep atoll lagoon. Bivalve larvae abundances were very high throughout the year: 18,550 m(-3) in average. Larvae were (i) concentrated at mid-depth with nocturnal ascent and diurnal descent, (ii) heterogeneously dispersed at the lagoon scale, (iii) subject to day-to-day variation in abundance and (iv) transferred between different parts of the lagoon providing evidence of intra-lagoonal connectivity. The primacy of physical factors was seen on large spatial scale with the diluting effect of water renewal and transfers by hydrodynamics. On smaller spatial scale, the primacy of biological processes was recognised, with larval swimming activity leading to dial vertical migration correlated with food concentration. Variations in larval abundance were driven by bivalve reproductive activity correlated with meteorological conditions (i.e. windy periods). Finally, relationship between bivalve larvae patterns and pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) settlement structuring is discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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