This data collates all the Phytoplankton samples collected within Wales from 2007 onwards by Natural Resources Wales and former Environment Agency Wales that are held within NRWs KiEco Database. This methodology is based on the principle that additional nutrients (especially nitrogen) can alter the amount of phytoplankton in transitional and coastal waters. Persistent and high counts of phytoplankton taxa are also seen as a measure of disturbance in the phytoplankton community. These surveys are conducted as part of on-going monitoring for legislative requirements and to meet organisational drivers. In addition, sites may be sampled for investigative work, or on an ad hoc basis.
Phytoplankton samples are taken in situ and are usually sent to a specialist marine contractor for Species Identity and abundance (two labs have been used in this time period; CEFAS 2007 – 2009 & APEM 2010 – onwards). Phytoplankton samples are analysed (identified and counted) using the Utermöhl method. Further information is available from the UK-TAG WFD website.
For many of our marine survey techniques we record an NGR at the site because this acts as a central/representative location around which we collect lots of samples. An NGR is then also recorded against each of the samples to give a more accurate sampling location.
A Darwin Core version of this data which is published to the NBN Atlas is available in NRW_DS161379.
