The depth distribution of meroplankton in the water column of Cape Hallett

Plankton was sampled at a single site (72° 18.412' S, 170° 11.290' E) off Seabee Hook, Edisto Inlet, Cape Hallett during the 04-05 season to determine if there is a different larval community at depths greater than 50 m of the water column. Two sampling periods were used, early season (19-23 November, 2004) and late season (1-5 December 2004) in randomised block sampling. Plankton was sampled at four depths (35, 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.