Exploring the relationship between environmental factors and zooplankton and nekton distributions in the Gulf of Mexico: implications for ecosystem dynamics

Nicholas AC Tucker, Jeremy J Kiszka, Lance P Garrison, Kevin M Boswell

The study investigated how environmental factors shape the distribution of zooplankton and nekton in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico using acoustic surveys conducted between 2018 and 2019. The authors used hierarchical generalized additive models to examine how salinity, depth, bathymetric features, and diel cycles influence four major pelagic groups: cephalopods, zooplankton, micronekton, and macronekton. Each group showed distinct spatial and vertical distribution patterns linked to environmental variability. The findings highlight strong trophic connectivity and benthic–pelagic coupling, improving understanding of gulf ecosystem dynamics and informing ecosystem-based management under changing ocean conditions.