Preliminary observations on the diel vertical migration of crustacean zooplankton in aquaculture and aquaculture-free areas of Lake Taal, Philippines

Abstract

Freshwater zooplankton in tropical caldera lakes with intensive aquaculture are exposed to physical, chemical, and biological influences that have differences with other lake types. This study compares the diel vertical migration of crustacean zooplankton between aquaculture and aquaculture-free areas in a tropical caldera lake (Lake Taal, Philippines). Environmental conditions showed little variation in both basins, and crustacean zooplankton showed similar DVM patterns. Wind-induced water movements, volcanic inputs and zooplankton exposure to similar levels of predation influenced zooplankton DVM in the lake. The zooplankton DVM patterns confirm that there is homogeneity in zooplankton composition and distribution in aquaculture and aquaculture-free areas.