ABSTRACT
Turbulence is one of the complex physical processes that play major roles in shaping the environment of planktonic organisms in oceans and lakes (Mann and Lazier, 1998; Yamazaki et al., 2002). It produces ßuid motions at all spatial and temporal scales, from millimeters to kilometers and from milliseconds to days (Tennekes and Lumley, 1972). Several investigators have recognized the importance of this turbulent environment, which surrounds the planktonic organisms and enhances the encounter rates between predators and prey (i.e., Rothschild and Osborn, 1988; Costello et al., 1990; Marrasé et al., 1990; Browman, 1996; Osborn and Scotti, 1996; Yamazaki, 1996; Sundby, 1996; Strickler and Costello, 1996; Browman and Skiftesvik, 1996). Because of the interplay between turbulence and group properties of various components of the pelagic food web, both biological and physical variables exhibit spatial heterogeneity (Denman and Gargett, 1995).
