Abstract
The Integrated Marine Observing System National Reference Station network provides unprecedented open access to species-level phytoplankton and zooplankton data for researchers, managers and policy makers interested in resource condition, and detecting and understanding the magnitude and time-scales of change in our marine environment. We describe how to access spatial and temporal plankton data collected from the seven reference stations located around the Australian coastline, and a summary of the associated physical and chemical parameters measured that help in the interpretation of plankton data. Details on the rationale for site locations, sampling methodologies and laboratory analysis protocols are provided to assist with use of the data, and design of complimentary investigations. Information on taxonomic entities reported in the plankton database, and changes in taxonomic nomenclature and other issues that may affect data interpretation, are included. Data from more than 1250 plankton samples are freely available via the Australian Ocean Data Network portal and we encourage uptake and use of this continental-scale dataset, giving summaries of data currently available and some practical applications. The full methods manual that includes sampling and analysis protocols for the Integrated Marine Observing System Biogeochemical Operations can be found on-line.
Highlights
As impacts of global change on our oceans intensify, the value of long-term biological and oceanographic observations program for monitoring, understanding and predicting human impacts is increasingly recognised (Edwards et al, 2010; Hofman et al, 2013; Lynch et al, 2014)
Details of site locations, mooring design, sensors, calibration protocols, and water sampling regimes are described in Lynch et al (2014); details of the phytoplankton and zooplankton methodology and associated data are the focus of this paper
Kangaroo Island (KAI, South Australia), Esperance, and Ningaloo (ESP, NIN, Western Australia), Darwin (DAR, Northern Territory), Yongala and North Stradbroke Island (YON, NSI, Queensland) (Figure 1 and Table 1). These “new” National Reference Stations (NRS) were identified based on the principal ocean currents and associated marine environments of the Australian coastal region, the strong latitudinal gradients observed in plankton communities, the identified phytoplankton provinces, the location of National Marine Reserves and Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) research themes, and identified priority regions (Hayes et al, 2005)
Summary
As impacts of global change on our oceans intensify, the value of long-term biological and oceanographic observations program for monitoring, understanding and predicting human impacts is increasingly recognised (Edwards et al, 2010; Hofman et al, 2013; Lynch et al, 2014). Australia in particular has had few sustained (>10 years) biological monitoring program (Lynch et al, 2014), which capture the wide range of ecosystems present (tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub-Antarctic) and the influence of the different water masses on species diversity and abundance. Such datasets are critical for development of knowledge and understanding in a range of areas, including but not limited to: establishing baselines for assessment of regional and global change, testing of ecological theory, supporting marine management and research, and provision of data for ecosystem assessments of resource condition, biodiversity, climate change impacts and other anthropogenic drivers of change
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