European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Measured variables: - Size-fractionated biomass, for size-fractions 200-500, 500-1000, 1000-2000 and >2000 µm ESD (equivalent spherical diameter). - Water-column integrated abundance (individuals/m2) and/or concentration (individuals/m3) of meso-zooplankton (to the species level whenever possible. Collection method: WP2 plankton net of 200 micrometer mesh-size. Vertical hauls from 5 above the bottom (station depth) to the surface. Sampling depth: Water-column integrated hauls from 5 m above the bottom (or a maximum of 100m) to the surface Preservation of samples: 4% sodium borate-buffered formalin-seawater solution. Analytical method: Identification / Enumeration under the stereomicroscope. Taxonomic classification is carried out by different experts depending on location. Format of the files: csv file; matrix of depth-integrated water column abundance (individuals/m2 and/or individuals/m3) by motnh and by taxonomic affiliation (to the species level whenever possible), for each sampling station (latitude / longitude). All data are organised in a common Access database