Observations on Calanus glacialis eggs under the spring sea ice in the Barents Sea

During a spring cruise to the ice-covered Barents Sea in May 1997, high concentrations of Calanus glacialis eggs were found below the pack ice. Maximum abundance was 5,900 eggs m –3 directly at the ice-water interface. Vertical distribution in the water column showed a decrease with depth, indicating positive buoyancy of the eggs. The possible role of the under-ice habitat as a nursery ground for C. glacialis is suggested.