UVR [ultra violet radiation] intensities and doses versus spatial distribution of zooplankton in the coastal zone of Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

Studies of pigment absorption spectra of the two groups of phytoplankton, diatoms and haptophyceans, showed different characteristics with a presumably higher specific absorption for both UVB and UVA possessed by the haptophyceans

These studies support the view that phytoplankton are capable of synthesizing and accumulating UV-absorbing compounds (sun-blockers), thereby protecting themselves and others against harmful UVR. The reason why zooplankton had highest biomass in the area where the phytoplankton peaked and penetrated deepest may be because of the UVR shadowing effect of the phytoplanktens. Furthermore this investigation is also important since it establishes, through measurements with calibrated instruments, representative UVR levels both on the surface and underwater in the region