Australian Coastal Picoplankton Flow Cytometry Data

Monthly flow cytometry data from nine Australian coastal stations, collected from 2008 to 2013 for some sites and ongoing for others. It captures picoplankton composition as part of the Integrated Marine Observing System's National Reference Station network. The data is managed by the Australian Ocean Data Network and superseded by a combined biogeochemical parameters collection.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal trends in picoplankton abundance and composition at specific stations like Maria Island or Yongala.
• Compare biogeochemical cycles across different coastal regions using site-specific flow cytometry measurements.
• Model seasonal variability of marine microbial communities using the monthly sampling time series.
• Investigate the impact of site decommissioning on data continuity using records from ceased stations like Ningaloo.

Strengths

• Data from nine distinct coastal monitoring stations across Australia
• Time series began between 2008 and 2010, with ongoing collection at seven sites
• Links provided to historical coastal station data extending back to 1944 for some locations

Limitations

• Sampling ceased at two stations (Ningaloo and Esperance) in 2013, limiting their time series
• The dataset has been superseded by a combined collection, indicating it is not the current version
• Specific sample counts, column names, and data volumes are not provided

Provenance

Source

Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) National Mooring Network

Collection Method

Monthly (or quarterly) sampling from small vessels, with picoplankton analyzed by flow cytometry.

Time Range

Sampling began between September 2008 and November 2010, ongoing for most sites.

Freshness

Data collection is described as ongoing for 7 of the 9 sites, with a last metadata update in 2026.

Geography

Nine coastal stations around Australia: Maria Island (TAS), Kangaroo Island (SA), Esperance (WA), Rottnest Island (WA), Ningaloo (WA), Darwin (NT), Yongala (QLD), North Stradbroke Island (QLD), Port Hacking (NSW).