Name: Microplankton monitoring along the west coast of South Africa
License: https://repository.saeon.ac.za/index.php/s/PzfgExZEQ3ysGKK

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.26042025

Title	Microplankton monitoring along the west coast of South Africa
Project	Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP: SB)
Authors	Maduray, Seshnee Oceans and Coastal Research, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; role: Marine Scientist; Worship, Marco Oceans and Coastal Research, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; role: Control Technician
Publisher	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (2025)
Contributors	Contact Person: Maduray, Seshnee Oceans and Coastal Research, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; role: Marine Scientist email: smaduray@dffe.gov.za
Abstract	Microplankton, comprising of both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically important group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate energy flow to higher trophic levels. Although they are found in all oceans globally, their diversity and abundance is varied. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa - Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for February 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3. The dataset comprises all images obtained of both phyto and zooplankton as well as marine snow, debris and other particles occurring in the water column at the time of sampling.
Methods	This resource contains the images of microplankton (phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range) during the 2018 February Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) cruise aboard the RV Algoa (Voyage 246). Water samples were collected from Niskin bottles, preserved with formalin and frozen at -20°C for further analysis using a FlowCam© VS3. Once defrosted, samples were separated into 2 size classes: 20-100μm for imaging on the 10x objective using a FV100μm flowcell and 100-200μm for imaging on the 4x objective using a FV300μm flowcell following guidelines for best imaging (FlowCam manual). Autoimage mode was used which enabled the capture of all particles in the sample including plankton, debris, marine snow and any other objects which fit the parameters for capture. Manual focusing was used to enable clear images. The dataset contains all the raw unprocessed image files.
Data	Embargoed Cite 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.26042025 Style Terms of use These data are made available with the express understanding that any such use will properly acknowledge the originator(s) and publisher and cite the accession numbers and/or associated Digital Object Identifiers. Anyone wishing to use these data should properly cite and attribute the data providers listed as authors in the metadata provided with each dataset. It is expected that all the conditions of the data license will be strictly honoured. Use of any material herein should be properly cited using the dataset’s persistent identifiers such as accession numbers and DOIs. I agree to the terms of use
Temporal extent	15 Feb 2018 – 22 Feb 2018
Geographic extent	South-East Atlantic Ocean North: -29.0 South: -35.0 West: 14.0 East: 19.0
Vertical extent	Max: -60 m Min: 0 m
Keywords	biomass, EBV: Community Composition > Community abundance, EOV: Biology and Ecosystems > Phytoplankton biomass and diversity, EOV: Biology and Ecosystems > Zooplankton biomass and diversity, FlowCam, Image data, microplankton, SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, Southern Benguela
Related resources	This digital object is part of Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on Algoa Voyage 246, February 2018 (10.15493/dea.mims.26052317)

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