The most abundant copepods on Georges Bank during the winter spring period may be divided into two groups.
Group I: Copepods with off-bank sources. Includes Calanus finmarchicus, Metridia lucens, Pseudocalanus spp. Oithona spp.
Goup II: Copepods with primarily local on-bank sources during the winter-spring period. Includes Temora longicornis, Centropages typicus and C. hamatus.
The Nov-December period is a time when stratification breaks down and water on Georges Bank is replaced by water from off the bank. Seen in the build up of nutrients at this time.
This early winter period is a time when the the copepods on the bank are “reset” with a new community of primarily Group I copepods that develop on the bank.
Later during the winter Group II populations develop. Appear to be related to increased food supply.