Abstract:

Depth-discrete plankton samples were collected during cruises off the coast of Alabama during May-August periods (2007-2014) using a Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System (BIONESS) and a neuston net. The BIONESS (0.25 m2 opening) was fitted with 333-µm and 202-µm mesh nets. The neuston net was 0.5 x 1.0 m and fitted with a 505 micron mesh net. A ring net (0.762-m diameter; 335-µm mesh) was towed obliquely through the water column, and used during 2007-2014 as a back-up gear when the primary sampler (BIONESS) was not operational. Samples were collected at stations located on the 20 m and 35 m contours. Data from 2007-2012 were collected as part of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Fisheries Oceanography of Coastal Alabama (FOCAL) program. Data from 2013-2014 were collected with support from GoMRI. Data contents include larval fish and zooplankton counts for targeted taxa, as well as plankton biomass estimates (settled volume and/or displacement volume).

Suggested Citation:

Hernandez, Frank. 2016. Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton collected during plankton surveys off Alabama (2007-2014). Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7154F27

Purpose:

Long-term survey data to examine natural variability as well as anthropogenic impacts on plankton distribution and abundance.

Data Parameters and Units:

Station data include: cruise name, sample date, gear type (BIONESS, Neuston net, Ring net), BIONESS tow number, sample ID, and net swept volume (cubic meters). Biological data include settled volume (ml) and/or displacement volume (ml), as well as counts for fish eggs, total fish larvae, larval red snapper, larval snapper (other species), larval king mackerel, larval Spanish mackerel, larval Atlantic bumper, and 58 zooplankton taxonomic/life stage groupings. Sample Stations T20: 30.0902, -88.2116; T35: 29.7905, -88.2083.

Methods:

Depth-discrete plankton samples were collected during cruises off the coast of Alabama during May-August periods (2007-2014) using a Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System (BIONESS) and a neuston net. The BIONESS (0.25 m2 opening) was fitted with 333-µm and 202-µm mesh nets. The neuston net was 0.5 x 1.0 m and fitted with a 505 micron mesh net. A ring net (0.762-m diameter; 335-µm mesh) was towed obliquely through the water column, and used during 2007-2014 as a back-up gear when the primary sampler (BIONESS) was not operational. Samples were collected at stations located on the 20 m and 35 m contours. Data from 2007-2012 were collected as part of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Fisheries Oceanography of Coastal Alabama (FOCAL) program. Data from 2013-2014 were collected with support from GoMRI. Detailed descriptions of field sampling methods are provided in the following publications: Hernandez F J, Carassou L, Muffelman S, Powers S P and Graham WM (2011) Comparison of two plankton net mesh sizes for ichthyoplankton collection in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fish. Res. 108 327–35. Carassou L, Hernandez F J, Powers S P and GrahamWM (2012) Cross-shore, seasonal, and depth-related structure of ichthyoplankton assemblages in coastal Alabama. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 141 1137–50. Station data (e.g., station locations, oceanographic observations, etc.), net data (e.g., depth bins), and CTD profiles (temperature, salinity, depth) for BIONESS tows are provided in a separate data set (UDI: R2.x221.000:0007). Station data for the neuston net tows are also provided in a separate data set (UDI: R2.x221.000:0006).

Instruments:

Plankton samples were collected using a BIONESS multiple net sampling system (0.5m x 0.5m mouth, 333 or 202 micron mesh) with real-time communication to the ship. Neuston samples were collected using a neuston net (1m x 0.5m mouth, 505 micron mesh). A ring net (0.762-m diameter; 335-µm mesh) was towed obliquely through the water column, and used during 2007-2014 as a back-up gear when the primary sampler (BIONESS) was not operational.

Provenance and Historical References:

The sampled stations were established prior to the oil spill by the Fisheries Oceanography of Coastal Alabama (FOCAL) plankton monitoring program. Thus, this study will compare plankton abundances and assemblage dynamics before, during, and after the oil spill to assess potential ecological impacts.

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