Population demographics and growth rate of Salpa thompsoni on the Kerguelen Plateau

This study aimed to obtain the first estimates of S. thompsoni population dynamics and growth rates over Kerguelen Plateau (Southern Indian Ocean). Micronekton, including salps, were repeatedly sampled during late summer early autumn (26th February – 15th March 2018) at contrasting hydrological stations on in southern proximity Islands. At two stations, made up almost half micronekton biomass. Environmental conditions important determining density development populations. Growth (0.5–7.0% d−1) higher than previously reported from Antarctic Peninsula (0.3–4.6% but lower near Polar Front (APF; 3.7–20.7% d−1). Despite warm surface waters (4–5 °C), low chlorophyll a concentrations restricted salp populations growing as fast APF. Because region deflects branch water southward towards Antarctica, more studies across multiple seasons are needed fully understand their importance invasion potential into latitudes.