Abstract:

Depth-discrete plankton samples were collected during CONCORDE cruise PTS03 (July 23rd-July 30th, 2016) using a Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System (BIONESS). The BIONESS (0.25 m2 opening) was fitted with six 333-µm mesh nets and three 202-µm mesh nets. Profile data (depth, temperature, salinity) were obtained with a SBE-19+ CTD (Sea-Bird Electronics) integrated with the BIONESS data logger. Samples were collected generally between the 15 and 32 m depth contours between the Chandeleur Islands and the Alabama/Florida border to assess the horizontal and vertical distribution of plankton under variable freshwater discharge and low dissolved oxygen conditions characteristic of the summer. Related data from this cruise can be found in GRIIDC datasets: R4.x260.000:0009 (zooplankton and ichthyoplankton), R4.x260.000:0028 (mesozooplankton dry weight), R4.x260.000:0006 (Neuston collection data), and R4.x260.000:0036 (mesozooplankton gut fluorescence).

Suggested Citation:

Frank Hernandez, Carla Culpepper. 2017. BIONESS profile and plankton sample collection data, cruise PTS03, northern Gulf of Mexico, July 2016. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N74T6GQD

Purpose:

To describe the station, field, and environmental conditions that were encountered during each BIONESS tow on the summer field campaign of CONCORDE (July 23 - July 30, 2016). The station and field information were recorded at the start and end of the station by field personnel on the vessel whereas the environmental data (temperature, salinity, and oxygen) were collected with a CTD (SBE-19+) mounted to the BIONESS system.

Data Parameters and Units:

Station Data Tab: Tow Number, Cruise, UTC Date (MM/DD/YYYY), Station, Depth (m), Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Sea State, Weather State, Start Time (UTC), Start Latitude (Degrees, Decimal Minutes), Start Longitude (Degrees, Decimal Minutes), End Time (UTC), End Latitude (Degrees, Decimal Minutes), End Longitude (Degrees, Decimal Minutes) Net Data Tab: Tow Number, Cruise, Station, CONCORDE Sample ID, Net Number, Net Mesh (µm), Tow Date (UTC, MM/DD/YYYY), Net Opening Time (UTC), Net Opening Depth (m), Net Opening Temperature (°C), Net Opening Salinity (psu), Net Closing Time (Minutes, Seconds), Net Closing Time (UTC), Net Closing Depth (m), Net Closing Temperature (°C), Net Closing Salinity (psu), Swept Volume (m3), Total Time Open (Minutes, Seconds) Tow Number Specific Tabs: Tow Number, Net Number, Salinity (psu), Temperature (°C), Depth (m), Oxygen (mg/L)

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