The distribution, abundance and seasonality of pelagic marine invertebratelarvae in the maritime Antarctic

survey of pelagic larvae was undertaken between November 1992 and February 1995 at Signy Island, Antarctica (60 degrees 43' S, 45 degrees 36' W). A di ver-towed net and hand-held plankton pump were used at five sites of varyin g depths (6-30 m) and benthic substrata, in a combination of monthly and fo rtnightly samples. Overall larval ecological diversity was much higher than expected, with 131 morphologically distinct larval forms collected, appare ntly representing most of the benthic phyla present. The species richness o bserved is comparable with levels recorded at temperate latitudes, and high er than Arctic data and the implications for Thorson's rule (the inferred d ine of reduced pelagic larval diversity towards high latitudes) is discusse d. Larval abundances were low (mean 2.6 individuals per m(3)), which were t wo to six orders of magnitude lower than peaks in comparable data from temp erate and tropical zones. We suggest that the low abundances recorded are a reflection of both slow developmental rates and a high dilution of larvae, reducing synchrony and spreading larvae over larger distances. Three seaso nal periods, during which different larval types occur, have been identifie d. Summer, late summer and winter spawning strategies were discernible, and in some groups larvae occurred throughout the year.