Mass occurrence of the ctenophore Bolinopsis vitrea (L. Agassiz, 1860) in the nearshore southern Adriatic Sea (Kotor Bay, Montenegro)

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Oceanography

Background:

• The ctenophore Bolinopsis vitrea is infrequently observed in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Understanding the ecological role of gelatinous zooplankton is crucial for marine ecosystem management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented bloom of Bolinopsis vitrea in the southern Adriatic Sea.
• To investigate the impact of this ctenophore bloom on the plankton community of Kotor Bay.

Main Methods:

• Field observations and sampling in Kotor Bay during spring and summer 2009.
• Analysis of plankton composition and biomass in relation to ctenophore presence.

Main Results:

• A significant bloom of Bolinopsis vitrea was observed, primarily below 5 meters depth.
• B. vitrea predation on copepods reduced grazing pressure on phytoplankton.
• An unusual bloom of phytoplankton was favored, altering plankton community structure and biomass.

Conclusions:

• Mass occurrences of B. vitrea can rapidly change coastal plankton communities.
• The bloom suggests potential alterations in the functioning of southern Adriatic marine ecosystems.
• This event highlights the ecological significance of ctenophores in changing marine environments.