Meiofauna in sea ice of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)

Sea-ice meiofauna was studied during various cruises to the Weddell Sea. Fo raminifers dominate (75%) the sea-ice community in terms of numerical abund ance while turbellarians dominate (45%) in terms of biomass. Distribution o f organisms is patchy and varies considerably between cruises but also betw een sampling sites within one cruise. The bulk of the meio-fauna is concent rated in the lowest parts of the sea ice, especially during winter and autu mn. However, in porous summer sea ice, sympagic organisms also occur in hig h densities in upper and intermediate layers of sea ice. Proto- and metazoa ns associated with Antarctic sea ice include organisms actually living in s ea ice, as well as those on the underside of floes and in the underlying wa ter. The sea-ice habitat serves as a feeding ground, as well as an importan t nursery for juveniles, providing energy-rich food resources. The ice also constitutes a shelter from predators.