Trans-Atlantic Study of Calanus: Comparative Time Series Sampling Programme

The objective of this subtask of the Trans-Atlantic Study of Calanus (TASC) programme was to describe the annual cycle of vertical distribution, generational development and overwintering of C. finmarchicus at selected locations in the Nordic Seas. Intercompare the regional patterns of seasonal migration and generational development and relate them to seasonal patterns of hydrography and phytoplankton development. The programme was carried out with depth-stratified sampling by 200 um multiple net sampling systems (BIONESS, MOCNESS or MULTINET), or with vertical (WP-2) or oblique (Bongo) net hauls where operation of multiple nets are not practically possible. Taxonomic analysis to species and stage, including separation of C. finmarchicus from the closely related species C. glacialis and C. helgolandicus. Size frequency analysis will be performed on subsets of data. Standard protocols of sampling and taxonomic analysis will be established, and intercalibration will be carried out as part of QA. Supporting information on hydrography (CTD) and phytoplankton development (nutrients, chlorophyll, in situ fluorescence) will be collected.