We will study the abundance, diversity and vertical and horizontal distribution of small pelagic and mesopelagic fauna including their relevance for fisheries by means of historical trawling and fisheries data, shallow and open-ocean hydroacoustic data as well as shelf and deep-sea trawling down to 1000 m. Biomass size spectra and export to apex predators will be investigated, referring to migratory species such as tuna, marine mammals and avifauna, for the latter obtained by biologging experiments. Isotope composition and trait-based community analysis will reveal food web structure.

Work package leader: Werner Ekau, ZMT

Work package co-leader: José H. Muelbert