Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Zooplankton Biomass in the Northeast Persian Gulf

The zooplankton biomass and distribution were studied during two oceanographic cruises in NE part of the Persian Gulf in autumn 2012 (November) and summer 2013 (August) with 300 μmmesh net. Zooplankton samples were analyzed for biomass content. Zooplankton biomass expressed as mg m-3 dry wt., was greatest during summer cruise (mean of 18.8 ± 4.6 mg m-3 dry wt.). The mean zooplankton biomass during summer cruise was slightly higher than autumn cruise (mean of 16.2 ± 1.7 mg m-3 dry wt.). Higher zooplankton biomass values (mean of 127.7 mg m-3 dry wt.) occurred in the central part of the Persian Gulf, between NW of Kish and Hendourabi Islands. Zooplankton biomass was not higher in near-coastal waters than in the offshore. Zooplankton biomass was not spatially and temporally significant (p>0.05).