Navigating the North pacifics Plankton Landscape: Continuous Plankton Recorder Surveys Voyage
For over a century, the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey has been providing a unique insight into the changing plankton landscape of the North pacific, revealing long-term trends and ecosystem shifts. Join us for an engaging seminar with Dr. Mike Colebrook, who will share highlights from the latest CPR voyage, unveiling the latest discoveries and ongoing research in this vast marine realm. Together, we will dive deep into the microscopic world, examining its ecological significance and its role in shaping the health of the North Pacific ecosystem.
A Deeper Dive: Unveiling the Critical Role of Zooplankton in Marine Ecosystems
Dr. Richardson will discuss the transition of the Continuous Plankton Recorder data from spring to continuous real-time sampling across the North Pacific Survey during 2022. The North Pacific CPR survey is a multi-year program to better understand the health and biodiversity of the ocean surrounding us here in British Columbia. The presentation will highlight some of the challenges of transitioning to autonomous ocean observing from traditional sampling methods,as well as the opportunities provided by the accessibility of near-continuous data from coastal to the open ocean. The survey aims to explore the use of autonomous CPR technology to expand ship-based observation programs and enhance marine stewardship through improved knowledge of the current state of planktonic ecosystems in the North Pacific.
Impacts Unraveled: Continuous Plankton Recorder Insights into Climate Change and Fisheries
Continuous Plankton recorder (CPR) surveys have made remarkable contributions to understanding climate change and fisheries. CPRs are towed behind ships in a network of transects around the world, providing samples of plankton over time. Analyzing CPR data has revealed trends in plankton abundance and distribution, helping to monitor the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. CPR surveys have also tracked changes in fish populations, shedding light on the connections between plankton and higher trophic levels. Their unique, continuous sampling method allows scientists to study long-term ecological changes, unraveling the complex interplay between the ocean and climate.Charting Course for the Future: Recommendations to Enhance Marine Conservation and Research
To ensure the health and sustainability of our oceans, we must enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems. The North Pacific Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey offers valuable insights into plankton dynamics, providing a foundation for informed decision-making. Key recommendations include:- Expand Survey Coverage: Extend the survey’s geographic reach to capture a wider range of oceanographic conditions and species distributions.
- Increase Observation Frequency: Collect samples more frequently to track changes in plankton abundance and composition over shorter time scales.
- Develop Novel Analytical Techniques: Advance analytical tools to extract richer facts from plankton samples, including species identification and genetic diversity.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Foster partnerships among scientists,policymakers,and stakeholders to coordinate research efforts and implement conservation strategies.
- Educate and Engage the Public: Raise awareness about the significance of plankton and promote public engagement in marine conservation initiatives.