Zooplankton surveys of Malakula Island, Vanuatu

A cursory overview of the zooplankton in the vicinity of Malakula Island, Vanuatu was undertaken, based on six samples collected in March 1988. Samples were collected from inner, mid and outer Port Sandwich (Lamap), Sakao and Vulai Islands in the Maskelyne Group and from Akhamb Island.Samples were collected using vertical hauls of a 0.5m diameter, 200µm plankton net. Copepods were the most abundant taxon and were identified at least to Genus. Samples were scored for relative abundance into 3 categories: A, Abundant; C, Common; R, Rare. Zooplankton were collected to gain an overview of the species composition of communities from oceanic and sheltered environments. Concurrent samples were retained in liquid nitrogen for subsequent electrophoresis. This research was a component of a survey of Vanuatu marine resources conducted in March/April 1988 and was funded by the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau.The objectives of the survey were:1. to survey and describe the shallow water reef habitats from selected islands of Vanuatu, adequately covering geographical and environmental variation2. to survey and describe the marine habitats around the shores of Malakula, including offshore islands3. to derive a coastal management plan for Malakula and offshore islands which can serve as a basis for Coastal Zone Management plans for the rest of the country4. to train Ni-Vanuatu personnel in marine survey and marine conservation methods