Spatial variability of planktonic invertebrate larvae in the Canary Islands area

In October 1991, invertebrate larvae abundances were analysed to study the influence of the disturbance of the Canary Current flow by the Canary Islands archipelago on the variability of larval distribution. Two transects and two time-series stations located to the north (non-perturbed zone) and the south (perturbed zone) of the Canary Islands were sampled. Oceanographical data showed a highly stratified water column and zonally uniform salinity and temperature seaward of the African upwelling in the non-perturbed zone, while the perturbed zone presented strong turbulence in the form of mesoscale eddies. Invertebrate larval abundances were lower for most taxa studied in the non-perturbed zone and northern time-series station. Significant differences (P < 0.001) of invertebrate larval abundance between the two zones sampled were found. Decapod larvae were the most abundant larval group in both zones. Stations located in eddy structures presented the highest values of larval densities. Specifically, the larvae collected at Station 18, located in the core of an anticyclonic eddy, represented 60 +/- 18% of total larvae collected in the south transect. Finally, our results suggest that eddies, mainly anticyclonic eddies, act as a strong larval retention zone south of the islands, and that there is a local northward transport from the Canary Islands.