Advances in Biochemical Indices of Zooplankton Production

Abstract

Several new approaches for measuring zooplankton growth and production rates have been developed since the publication of the ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) Zooplankton Methodology Manual (Harris et al., 2000). In this review, we summarize the advances in biochemical methods made in recent years. Our approach explores the rationale behind each method, the design of calibration experiments, the advantages and limitations of each method and their suitability as proxies for in situ rates of zooplankton community growth and production. We also provide detailed protocols for the existing methods and information relevant to scientists wanting to apply, calibrate or develop these biochemical indices for zooplankton production.

Keywords: AARS activity; Biochemical index; Chitobiase activity; Enzyme activity; Nucleic acid; RNA:DNA; Zooplankton growth; Zooplankton production.