This is a cooperation between Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway (contact person Tor Knutsen, tor.knutsen@imr.no ) and Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (PINRO) in Russia. Main objective of the network: 1. Determine amount and distribution of zooplankton biomass (in three size fractions). 2. Describe abundance of dominant zooplankton species. 3. Determine annual variation in zooplankton biomass and feeding conditions of planktonfeeding fishes. Operation: Observations are taken by IMR from research vessels. The programme is carried out in cooperation with Russia (PINRO).
Zooplankton collected with two types of nets (vertical and depth-stratified. Samples spilt in two parts, for determination of biomass and species composition, respectively. Biomass determined as dry weight in 3 size fractions (<1, 1-2 and >2 mm (mesh size in screen)). Species composition determined in selected samples; the rest is stored in a sample archive for retrospective analyses (e.g. of major ecosystem changes such as collapse of capelin stock). Sampling at fixed hydrographic transects (Fugløya-Bjørnøya; Vardø N) and as areal survey in fall.
Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (PINRO)
Coordinated under the Joint Norway-Russia Fisheries Commission. Networks:
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