THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A ‘LITTORAL’ NAUPLIUS

The possible contribution of littoral organisms to the zooplankton of inshore waters is largely neglected - particularly in studies of productivity. The relation between the physical dimensions of an inshore system and the relative input from the bottom, the water mass, and the littoral will be considered - largely relative to some common cirripedes. An assessment of the importance of this contribution in terms of both seasonal and non-seasonal events will be considered. A few calculations will show the possible quantitative importance, in some situations at least, of littoral organisms in this respect, particularly when compared with published estimates of the amount of “permanent plankton”. Apart from its general character, “littoral” plankton may be especially important at certain seasons and in particular areas not only in terms of its quantity but also as regards the “quality” of the nutriment it provides for other organisms; it is probably an integral part of some temporary ecosystems.