Australian Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey

The Australian Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey (AusCPR) is a long-term monitoring program that collects data on plankton populations in the waters around Australia. The survey is part of a global effort to understand the role of plankton in marine ecosystems and their response to environmental changes.

History

The AusCPR Survey was established in 2007 as a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Antarctic Division. It was modeled after the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey that has been operating in the North Atlantic since 1931.

Methodology

The survey uses a device called a Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR), which is towed behind ships to collect plankton samples. The CPR filters plankton from the water onto a moving band of silk, which is then analyzed in laboratories to identify and count the plankton species present.

Objectives

The main objectives of the AusCPR Survey are:

• To monitor the abundance and distribution of plankton species in Australian waters.
• To assess the impact of climate change and other environmental factors on plankton communities.
• To provide data for ecosystem models and marine management.

Significance

Plankton are a crucial component of marine ecosystems, forming the base of the food web. Changes in plankton populations can have significant impacts on fisheries, biodiversity, and climate regulation. The data collected by the AusCPR Survey helps scientists understand these changes and their implications.

Findings

The AusCPR Survey has provided valuable insights into the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. For example, it has documented shifts in plankton distribution and abundance, which are linked to changes in sea temperature and ocean currents.

Also see

• Plankton
• Marine biology
• Climate change and marine ecosystems
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
• Australian Antarctic Division