Phytoplankton Abundance and Biovolume from Nine Australian Coastal Stations

Comprising phytoplankton abundance and biovolume estimates from monthly sampling at nine reference stations around the Australian coastline. Samples are collected at 10-meter depth intervals and analyzed for community composition and biovolume. The data is managed by the Plankton National Reference Station within the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).

Use Cases

• Analyze phytoplankton community composition trends over time using the abundance (cells/L) data from nine coastal stations.
• Model relationships between phytoplankton biovolume (um3/L) and environmental factors at different sampling depths.
• Compare taxonomic resolution and identification changes across stations by examining the provided change log tables.
• Study spatial distribution patterns of phytoplankton using data from the nine regularly sampled stations around Australia.

Strengths

• Data is collected from nine distinct stations around the Australian coastline, providing spatial coverage.
• Sampling is conducted monthly at most stations, offering a regular temporal resolution for time-series analysis.
• Data collection follows a standardized protocol using integrated water samples from Niskin bottles at 10m depth intervals.
• The dataset is interoperable with other national and international programs through the IMOS infrastructure.

Limitations

• Taxonomic resolution has changed over time, requiring users to consult change log tables for data validity, which adds complexity.
• Sampling frequency is reduced to every three months at the Esperance and Ningaloo stations, creating temporal gaps.
• Classification fields (e.g., genus, species) may be blank if identification was only possible to a higher taxonomic level.
• The exact number of data rows, columns, and total sample size is unspecified.

Provenance

Source

Plankton National Reference Station within the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), managed by CSIRO Marlin Data Catalogue.

Collection Method

Monthly integrated water sampling using Niskin bottles at 10m depth intervals, preserved in Lugol's solution, with analysis by the Plankton Ecology Lab.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Data is regularly updated, with a last recorded update in March 2026.

Geography

Nine reference stations around the Australian coastline.