BIONESS profile and plankton sample collection data, cruise PTS02, northern Gulf of Mexico, March–April 2016

Depth-discrete plankton samples were collected during CONCORDE cruise PTS02 (March 30th-April 10th, 2016) using a Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System (BIONESS). The BIONESS (0.25 m2 opening) was fitted with six 333-µm mesh nets and three 202-µm mesh nets. Profile data (depth, temperature, salinity) were obtained with a SBE-19+ CTD (Sea-Bird Electronics) integrated with the BIONESS data logger. Samples were collected generally between the 12 and 45 m depth contours between the Chandeleur Islands and the Alabama/Florida border to assess the horizontal and vertical distribution of plankton under high freshwater discharge conditions characteristic of the Spring.