Abstract:

Stable isotope analyses were collected from model species in order to provide information on the trophic connectivity of the ecosystem. During epi-, meso- and bathypelagic sampling (both primary cruise and Texas A&M University [TAMU] ichthyoplankton surveys), specimens of target organisms, ranging from plankton to fishes and invertebrates were frozen at sea and analyzed to characterize and quantify food web dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico. Key model species included both vertically migratory and non-migratory fish and invertebrate species with multiple feeding strategies including planktivores, zooplanktivores, gelativores, and piscivores. Target species displaying strong diel vertical migration include Sigmops elongatus and Ceratoscopelus warmingii, versus species showing no or asynchronous vertical migration, such as Argyropelecus hemigymnus and Cyclothone obscurai. These data will be used to evaluate food web structure, examine the flow of organic matter and determine trophic relationships by analyzing the tissues of target organisms.

Suggested Citation:

Wells, R.J. David; Richards, M. Travis. 2017. Stable isotope ratios of model meso- and bathypelagic micronekton species of the Gulf of Mexico, cruises DP01, DP02, LF2015A and LF2015B from May 2015 - August 2015. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N75D8Q7Z

Publications:

Richards, T. M., Sutton, T. T., & Wells, R. J. D. (2020). Trophic Structure and Sources of Variation Influencing the Stable Isotope Signatures of Meso- and Bathypelagic Micronekton Fishes. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. doi:10.3389/fmars.2020.507992

Purpose:

These data will be used as part of an ongoing effort to quantify trophic interactions in epi-, meso-, and bathypelagic food webs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The raw data and subsequent analysis will eventually be incorporated into ecosystem based models created specifically for the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

Data Parameters and Units:

In this file, data are reported as the ratio of heavy to light carbon and nitrogen isotopes (d13C, d15N), the amount of carbon and nitrogen contained in each muscle sample (ug), and the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) which is an indicator of lipid content within the sample. Collection location is recorded as latitude (lat) and longitude (long) and are given in decimal degrees. Sample_id refers to the unique identification name/# given to each sample prior to isotope analysis.

Methods:

All samples were collected with a 10 m^2 multiple opening and closing net with environmental sensing system (MOCNESS) towed from the surface to a depth of 1500 m and back to the surface.

Individual Files: