The depth distribution of meroplankton in the water column of Gerlache Inlet

Plankton was sampled at a single site (74° 38.474' S, 164° 12.473' E) between 14 Nov 2007-06 Dec 2007 about 1 km to the south of Gondwana Station during the 07-08 season to determine if there is a different larval community at different depths. Plankton was sampled at four depths (25, 50, 75, and 100 m) in random order. A CTD probe produced a depth profile of salinity, temperature and chlorophyll to relate to the depth distribution of the larvae. Three replicate samples were taken at each depth. The 50 m samples were sorted fresh, larvae quantified and specimens photographed and preserved for DNA sequence analysis and morphological description. The other samples were preserved in a formalin based Steedman's fix and taken to the University of Auckland for analysis.