Material properties of Northeast Pacific zooplankton

We measured the density and sound speed contrasts relative to seawater of Northeast Pacific zooplankton. The density contrast (g) was measured for euphausiids, decapods (Sergestes similis), amphipods (Primno macropa, Phronima sp., and Hyperiid spp.), siphonophore bracts, chaetognaths, larval fish, crab megalopae, larval squid, and medusae. Morphometric data (length, width, and height) were collected for these taxa. Density contrasts varied within and between zooplankton taxa. The mean and standard deviation (s.d.) for euphausiid density contrast were 1.059 ± 0.009. Relationships between zooplankton density contrast and morphometric measurements, geographic location, and environmental conditions were investigated. Site had a significant effect on euphausiid density contrast. Density contrasts of euphausiids collected in the same geographic area ∼4-10 d apart were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Sound speed contrast (h) was measured for euphausiids and pelagic decapods (S. similis) and it varied between taxa. The mean and s.d. for euphausiid sound speed were 1.019 ± 0.009. Euphausiid mass was calculated from measured density and volume, and a relationship between euphausiid mass and length was produced. We determined that euphausiid volume could be accurately estimated from two-dimensional measurements of animal body shape, and that biomass (or biovolume) could be accurately calculated from digital photographs of animals. Data from this study can improve the accuracy of theoretical acoustic scattering models for these taxa, resulting in more accurate estimates of zooplankton biomass in this region.