Distribution and development of krill in Icelandic waters

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Temperature, salinity, bottom depth, chlorophyll a and timing of the spring bloom were used as explanatory variables to investigate the abundance and distribution of krill in Icelandic waters. During spring 2013, the abundance of krill eggs and larvae was higher in the warmer waters south of Iceland compared to the colder waters off the north and east coasts. The two most abundant species, where characterized by a different distribution pattern: Meganyctiphanes norvegica dominated in the southwest, while Thysanoessa inermis dominated in the north and east. Our results showed a close association of krill eggs and larvae with phytoplankton biomass, temperature and bottom depth in Icelandic waters.