UPDATING THE CONTINUOUS PLANKTON RECORDER - AN IMPROVED TOOL FOR INTEGRATED PLANKTON MONITORING

After providing unique records of plankton distribution for over 60 ye ars, the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey needs to be updated in or der to obtain improved information on vertical distribution and abunda nce of plankton, the physico-chemical environment, and on microplankto n. To meet these requirements, a new body has been developed with the capability to undulate and carry a larger payload whilst retaining the ability to be deployed from ships of opportunity. To improve estimate s of abundance. miniature current meters have been developed to quanti fy flow through the sampler mechanisms. An appropriate suite of enviro nmental sensors has been identified and a suitable microplankton sampl er mechanism has been developed. The new body (U-Tow) has been success fully deployed in undulating mode with the standard plankton sampler m echanism and a range of environmental sensors. The microplankton sampl er prototype has been built. This system will be integrated with smart logger and sensor system allowing a sample to be taken dependent upon externally measured environmental conditions.