The Sea Core Sampler: A simple water sampler that allows direct observations of undisturbed plankton

Abstract

A simple water sampler that brings undisturbed water samples to the deck-laboratory and that allows video recording of plankton and small-scale plankton phenomena directly in the sampler is described. Using the sampler, it is possible to follow individual plankton organisms and marine snow aggregates for longer periods of time in an environment where the original three-dimensional organization of particles and chemical gradients have been retained. The sampler has been used to film sinking marine snow, the microbial life on a snow flake, and the behaviour of delicate zooplankters that are otherwise difficult to collect live. Video clips demonstrating the utility of the sampler are available online. © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.