Australian Coastal Zooplankton Biomass Time Series

Zooplankton biomass and community composition data are collected monthly at nine reference stations around the Australian coastline. The dataset is produced by the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) National Mooring Network, with sampling conducted regularly since at least 2002 for some stations. Data storage and access are designed to be interoperable with other national and international oceanographic programs.

Use Cases

• Analyze trends in zooplankton biomass (dry weight in mg/m3) over time at specific stations like Port Hacking.
• Study changes in zooplankton community composition (Taxon/m3) in relation to seasonal cycles or environmental events.
• Conduct size spectrum analysis using Zooscan data to understand population structure.
• Compare sampling methodologies by examining data from the older PH4 station (20 cm net) versus the current PHB station.
• Investigate spatial variability by comparing biomass and taxon data across the nine national reference stations.

Strengths

• Long-term time series with data from some stations spanning from at least 2002 to present.
• Standardized monthly sampling protocol across nine coastal stations, with three samples taken per month.
• Planned interoperability with other national and international ocean data programs through IMOS infrastructure.

Limitations

• Sampling frequency is reduced to three-monthly at Esperance and Ningaloo stations compared to monthly elsewhere.
• The dataset has been superseded by a newer collection, indicating it may not receive further updates.
• Specific row counts, column details, and sample sizes for analysis are not provided in the description.

Provenance

Source

Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) National Mooring Network - National Reference Stations.

Collection Method

Monthly zooplankton sampling using a standardized drop net (60 cm diameter, 100 micron mesh) deployed from small vessels, with samples fixed in formalin or frozen for analysis.

Time Range

Time series from at least 2002 (e.g., Port Hacking PH4 data from 2002-Jan 2009) to the point of supersedence.

Freshness

Superseded; last update noted as 2026-04-04 but refers to a collection removed from the portal in December 2021.

Geography

Nine national reference stations located around the Australian coastline.