Identification

Title

Mesozooplankton abundance in the Bristol Channel, Celtic Sea and English Channel 2012-2016

Abstract

Mesozooplankton abundance data gathered as part of an annual autumn pelagic survey in the English Channel, Celtic Sea and Bristol Channel, running from 2012-2016. Samples were obtained using twin ringnet deployments and subsequently processed back at the lab using ZooScan image analysis. Count abundances from semi-automatic image classifications on Plankton Identifier (and later, EcoTaxa) were then converted into abundances per m3 using estimates of filtered volume from flowmeter readings. The current dataset comprises mesozooplankton results from the POSEIDON survey series which ran until 2016, although results have continued to be obtained as part of the expanded PELTIC survey series, which has been ongoing since 2017.

Resource type

dataset

Resource locator

https://data.cefas.co.uk/view/3292

name: Cefas Data Portal

description: The Cefas Data Portal contains metadata records and data sets available to download and connect to in support of our commitment to open science. Data is available in the following formats: CSV, ESRI Shapefile. The data can also be accessed via the WFS and WMS protocols.

function: download

Unique resource identifier

code

CEFAS3292

codeSpace

https://data.cefas.co.uk

Dataset language

eng

Spatial reference system

code identifying the spatial reference system

Classification of spatial data and services

Topic category

biota

Keywords

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2008-06-01

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

revision

effective date

2011-03-25

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

revision

effective date

2011-03-25

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2008-06-01

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

revision

effective date

2010-05-18

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2012-01-11

Keyword set

keyword value

originating controlled vocabulary

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2012-01-11

Geographic location

West bounding longitude

-7.00

East bounding longitude

-1.50

North bounding latitude

51.75

South bounding latitude

49.25

Temporal reference

Temporal extent

Begin position

2013-10-12

End position

2016-11-01

Dataset reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2022-08-25

date type

revision

effective date

2025-04-11

date type

creation

effective date

2015-03-10

Frequency of update

notPlanned

Quality and validity

Lineage

ZooScan image analysis of mesozooplankton samples was initially trialed with samples collected in the first annual survey in 2012. Samples were collected with twin ringnet deployments and KC flowmeter attachments onboard the RV Cefas Endeavour, with image analysis conducted on those obtained using an 80µm ringnet of 0.5m diameter. Deployments were made at set station locations along transect lines which concentrated on UK territorial waters around the Cornish Peninsula, from the Bristol Channel south of Wales and eastern Celtic Sea to the western side of the English Channel. The transect lines stations are located within were designed with their spacing and orientation across the prevailing bathymetry of the area. Preserved samples were sent back to the Plankton Lab at the Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory and thereafter split into fractions and prepped for image analysis using ZooScan. To obtain a representative subsample, a minimum of 200 zooplankton specimens needed to be captured in the images where possible from each sample, with rescans conducted as necessary. Images of objects processed from the sample were then taxonomically classified within Plankton Identifier software. Once uploaded into either Plankton Identifier, scanned objects from each sample were predicted into taxa categories with the provision of a learning set to aid automatic image sorting using Random Forest algorithms. These predicted classifications are validated afterward by an experienced zooplankton taxonomist and the metadata downloaded with the individual taxa counts. Filtered volume estimates were obtained based on calculations using flowmeter rotor revolution counts recorded for each station. Objects captured in images were separated into zooplankton taxa and detritus groups and abundances estimated in terms of individuals per m3, using counts and filtered volume and raising factor calculations based on the sample fractions used. An agreed subset of the data may be selected for QC checks by a second experienced taxonomist, ensuring quality control in the image classifications.

Conformity

Conformity report

specification

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2013-12-10

degree

false

explanation

See the referenced specification

Conformity report

specification

title

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2010-12-08

degree

true

explanation

See the referenced specification

Data format

name of format

Unknown

version of format

Constraints related to access and use

Constraint set

Limitations on public access

Constraint set

Limitations on public access

Responsible organisations

Responsible party

organisation name

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory (CEFAS)

full postal address

Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory

Pakefield Road

Lowestoft

NR33 0HT

UK

email address

data.manager@cefas.co.uk

responsible party role

originator

Responsible party

organisation name

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory (CEFAS)

full postal address

Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory

Pakefield Road

Lowestoft

NR33 0HT

UK

email address

data.manager@cefas.co.uk

responsible party role

custodian

Responsible party

organisation name

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory (CEFAS)

full postal address

Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory

Pakefield Road

Lowestoft

NR33 0HT

UK

email address

data.manager@cefas.co.uk

responsible party role

distributor

Responsible party

organisation name

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

email address

defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk

responsible party role

owner

Metadata on metadata

Metadata point of contact

organisation name

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory (CEFAS)

full postal address

Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory

Pakefield Road

Lowestoft

NR33 0HT

UK

email address

data.manager@cefas.co.uk

responsible party role

pointOfContact

Metadata date

2025-04-11T12:30:13

Metadata language