The heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans was a major component of plankton samples in the Sinop region, presenting its highest values in April 2005. Mesozooplankton abundance values showed significant differences (except 2007–2009 and 2008–2009) during the 5-year sampling period. Since the middle of 2006, an increase in abundance, biomass, and biodiversity of mesozooplankton has been detected. Many mesozooplanktonic species/groups showed seasonality in the study (especially Cladocera species). This seasonality was determined to be based on temperature changes. |