MEPS 601:139-151 (2018)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12665

ABSTRACT: Understanding the dynamics of pelagic scyphozoan blooms requires detailed knowledge of their source stages or sessile polyps. Results from a 2 yr in situ polyp settlement study of Chrysaora chesapeakei coupled with historical data and environmental conditions (temperature, salinity and water residence time) were analyzed to investigate the formation and distribution of polyp colonies at multiple spatial scales in Chesapeake Bay, USA. A spatially explicit generalized linear model suggested the importance of flushing rates in describing patterns of the spatial distribution of C. chesapeakei bay-wide. At smaller scales, seasonal variability of the pelagic stages of C. chesapeakei may be due to the survivability of C. chesapeakei polyps through harsh winter conditions within and between optimal habitat in sub-estuaries. Findings of this study reveal significant species- and stage-specific spatial and temporal patterns of C. chesapeakei within a local shallow habitat and affirm the importance of studying jellyfish species within a species-specific context.

KEY WORDS: Chrysaora chesapeakei · Polyps · Residence time · Spatial · Seasonality