census of marine zooplankton

Census of Marine ZooplanktonCensus of Marine ZooplanktonCensus of Marine ZooplanktonCensus of Marine Zooplankton

CMarZ is a taxonomically comprehensive, global-scale census of marine zooplankton, to produce accurate and complete information on species diversity, biomass, and biogeographical distributions.

CMarZ is a proposed new field project of the Census of Marine Life to address the overarching question: “what are the patterns of zooplankton biodiversity throughout the world ocean, and how are they generated and maintained”?

CMarZ will analyze the ~6,800 described species – and likely discover at least this many new species – of marine metazoan and protozoan holozooplankton by 2010.

There are estimated to be many times more plankton species in the world oceans than are currently described.

All regions of the deep-sea – and many unexplored regions and biodiversity “hotspots” – are certain to yield many new species in multiple taxonomic groups.

Taxonomic groups where species discovery is particularly likely include fragile and rare groups, and cosmopolitan species whose ranges span more than one ocean basin.

The Challenge


A taxonomically comprehensive, global-scale census of marine plankton, to produce accurate and complete information on species diversity, biomass, biogeographic distribution, and other individual and aggregate characters.

The Goal

We seek to analyze the ~6,800 described species – and likely discover at least this many new species – of marine metazoan and protozoan zooplankton by 2010.


Baseline Information for Zooplankton of the World Ocean

Launching the project - 2004

Baseline Report: A summary of the status of our current knowledge of biodiversity of the plankton, including all taxa we include within the Census of the Plankton, with information on:

- numbers of recognized species,- degree of completeness of our knowledge,- biogeographical patterns of distribution, and - biomass estimates.

Science Plan: A realistic description of the conceptual basis, scientific rationale, and logistical plans for implementation of the program, reflecting the Known, Unknown, and Unknowable context of the Census of Marine Life, and rooted in scientific questions and hypotheses that focus on important issues of our time.


Taxonomically-comprehensive, global-scale surveys: It will be essential to examine widely-distributed, cosmopolitan, and circumglobal species across their geographic range, i.e., designing global surveys of exploration and discovery.

Use of existing plankton samples: Archived collections of preserved plankton samples are an invaluable storehouse, which should be mined for new data and information on biodiversity of the plankton.

Ships of opportunity: We envision an international partnership using ships of opportunity and a coordinated international network of technicians, taxonomic experts, and biological oceanographers.

The Approach (1)


Targeted regions and biodiversity “hotspots”: New investigations should be launched to explore hydrothermal vents, seeps, deep-sea coral beds, polar, and mesopelagic to abyssal regions, as well as ecosystems which may be centers of speciation (e.g. Indo-Pacific regions, including the Banda Sea).

Development of new tools for exploration and analysis: In addition to traditional net and bottle collection techniques, we will require new sampling methodologies to collect and study the rare and more fragile forms, e.g., AUVs, ROVs, submersibles, and towed vehicles, equipped with optical and acoustic sensors.

The Approach (2)


DNA-based technologies: Molecular systematic data will play a role in species identification and discovery: we will codify described species by a DNA reference sequence or “barcode”. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences will be used to reveal cryptic species and classify newly-discovered taxa.

Data management, analysis and visualization: All data will be integrated into the Ocean Biogeographical Information System (OBIS). The internet will be used to share data and information, and meet the need for coordinated international efforts. We will produce internet-accessible databases including both morphological and molecular characters, interactive keys, and species’ web pages.

The Approach (3)


International partnership: Global-scale sampling and analysis will require coordination and synergy among institutions, scientists, and students.

Professional training: Preparation of the next generation of researchers and technical experts is an integral element of the census.

Education and outreach: High quality communications materials – including brochures, posters, and books – will be essential to draw public interest, and to ensure that new knowledge is introduced into curricula for classrooms from kindergarten to college.

The Approach (4)


Global Patterns of Zooplankton Biodiversity

A) Collection locations of archived alcohol-preserved zooplankton samples available for CMarZ project participants.

B) Geographic areas of focus for CMarZ cooperating projects during 2004-2005 (A = funded, B = proposed).

Global Patterns of Zooplankton Biodiversity

Species diversity of planktonic foraminifera is highest in subtropical latitudes and lowest in the equatorial zone. (Figure from Rutherford et al. 1999)

Longhu

rst (1998)

DNA reference sequences (or “barcodes”) will provide additional taxonomic characters for species identification, and may provide the basis of rapid, automatable protocols for species identification.

DNA microarrays will allow molecular identification of any known species; unknown species must be first identified by an expert.

Lab-on-a-chip miniaturization and automation will allow remote detection from oceanographic platforms.

What Does the Future Hold?What Does the Future Hold?What Does the Future Hold?What Does the Future Hold?

Project Time-LineOctober 2003 – Proposal for a planning workshop for a CoML

“Census of the Plankton”

March 2004 – Planning workshop hosted by the University of New Hampshire to design and produce a proposal for a programmatic umbrella and infrastructure.

June 2004 – CoML / Sloan Foundation proposal submitted

July 2004 – Science and implementation plan finalized.

September 2004 – CMarZ project offices established in USA, Japan, and Germany

2004 – 2010 – Integrated set of cooperating field projects, with ongoing sample analysis, and database management.

Project Estimated CostEstimated $10 - $15M over seven years


census of marine zooplankton

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