SUSPENDED PARTICULATES IN THE IRISH SEA AND FEEDING CONDITIONS FOR FISH LARVAE

The size distributions (2 to 160 mum equivalent spherical diameter) of suspended particulate material sampled on two cruises along a transect in the Irish Sea in 1988 are described in relation to hydrographic conditions, chlorophyll a concentration and carbon to nitrogen ratios. Particulates were more abundant and larger size modes in the distribution were more evident, in the upper mixed layer of stratified water than in areas where the water column was fully mixed. The detrital content was estimated at 52% of total particulate matter above the thermocline in stratified regions and at around 97% at mixed water sites. In stratified regions the predominance of larger sized phytoplankton and lower levels of detritus is argued to support a more direct and efficient transfer of energy to fish larvae via larger sizes of copepods. Conversely, in mixed areas of high detrital loading the smaller size spectrum of particulates incorporates a less efficient transfer of energy through bacterial cycling and smaller copepods.