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Zooplankton Sampler (ZPS)

McLane Zooplankton Samplers are designed to collect zooplankton, in-situ, in support of oceanographic research projects and environmental monitoring programs. The ZPS 6-50 sample volume is carefully designed to avoid triggering zooplankton escape responses related to velocity or light gradients. Ambient water is drawn from the sample volume through mesh windows in a sample belt. Zoooplankton are held on the mesh by the flow until trapped in the sample window's well by a covering mesh. Samples, undamaged by the collection procedure, are preserved in a fixative reservoir. The ZPS can collect up to 50 samples in a single deployment, autonomously following a user defined sampling schedule. JAMSTEC participants were trained in the operation, deployment, and data retrieval of this important device.