Spatial difference in fatty acid and alcohol profiles and stable isotopes values, δ15Nand δ13C, of Calanus finmarchicus along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

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Fatty acid and alcohol profiles and stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes values, δ 15N and δ 13C, of Calanus finmarchicus CV were studied in June 2004 along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), extending from Iceland in the north to the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ) in the south. There was a significant difference in fatty acid and alcohol compositions between stations along the MAR. The sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids was relatively higher in the northern area than in the southern area. Conversely, the long-chained fatty alcohols, 20:1n9 and 22:1n11, were found in lower amount in the northern area than in the southern area. Interestingly, the fatty alcohols ratio 20:1n9/22:1n11 was relatively high in the north area. The δ 15N values were highest in the CGFZ area indicating higher trophic position. The results will be discussed in the context of different environmental conditions and population structure of C. finmarchicus along the transect.