Acoustic Instrumentation for the Observation of Biomass and Size-structure of Zooplankton and Their Temporal Variability
Abstract
LONG TERM GOALS. Many of the highly productive ecosystems of the world ocean are strongly forced physically and exhibit maxima in biomass and growth of zooplankton during bursts of phytoplankton growth. The role of the physical environment in shaping the community of zooplankton is difficult to study and can best be addressed in interdisciplinary studies using new instrumentation for quantifying biological response variables. Improved resolution of temporal and spatial variability of biomass of zooplankton and the physical environment are necessary steps before we obtain full understanding of mesoscale ecosystem questions. OBJECTIVES. It is essential to continue improving the acoustic technology for observing zooplankton because its power is in the extended (in time primarily) and intensive (in space primarily) nature of the data it generates. We need both the capability for making longterm observations of plankton on continental shelves and for obtaining the data in realtime. We anticipate an instrument or set of instruments that are deployed over the continental shelf off Florida which broadcast their data daily allowing us to make additional measurements of important processes such as grazing and growth in a select and focused way.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA634288
Entities
People
- Harry A. Deferrari
- Sharon L. Smith
Organizations
- University of Miami