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Lake Superior Zooplankton Biomass Predictions from LOPC Tow Surveys Compare Well with a Probability Based Net Survey

Contact

email: CCTE@epa.gov

Citation:

YURISTA, P. M., J. R. KELLY, AND S. E. MILLER. Lake Superior Zooplankton Biomass Predictions from LOPC Tow Surveys Compare Well with a Probability Based Net Survey . Presented at International Association for Great Lakes Research Conference, Peterborough, ON, CANADA, May 19 - 23, 2008.

Impact/Purpose:

research results

Description:

We conducted a probability-based sampling of Lake Superior in 2006 and compared the zooplankton biomass estimate with laser optical plankton counter (LOPC) predictions. The net survey consisted of 52 sites stratified across three depth zones (0-30, 30-150, >150 m). The LOPC tow surveys were extensive and spatially covered much of Lake Superior (>1300 km). The LOPC data was field calibrated to Lake Superior zooplankton net samples and collected across the years of 2004 to 2006. The volume-weighted lake wide zooplankton biomass determined by traditional net tows to 100 m was found to be 20405 g dry weight m-3. The sample site estimates varied by depth zones within the lake, where nearshore (0-30 m) estimates were highest and highly variable. With field calibration sites removed, the net estimate 22064 g dry weight m-3 and LOPC lake wide prediction of 19972 g dry weight m-3 agreed well. Variability for LOPC data was highest in the regions less than 100 m. Consistency in lake wide estimates suggests that rapid and spatially diverse LOPC data provides a comparable assessment tool to traditional nets for collecting zooplankton biomass data.

Record Details:

Record Type:DOCUMENT( PRESENTATION/ ABSTRACT)
Product Published Date:05/19/2008
Record Last Revised:04/06/2009
OMB Category:Other
Record ID: 188412