Record-Keeping Data for Veliger Samples

With all samples taken, the same record-keeping format should be used from year to year - the format can be tailor-designed for a site or facility.

Record-Keeping Guidelines
• Record the time, date, and location of the sample.
• Use a standard size plankton net for all plankton samples and record the net diameter and mesh size.
• Sample at a minimum of once per week at water temperatures >10 ^°C and preferably twice per week.
• Take a minimum of three replicate samples per site; in open water these replicates might be 1 km apart. In flowing water, replicate samples should be taken both in the center of the current and also nearer to the bank.
• Record the type and concentration of fixative that was used to preserve the sample.
• Report the veliger density.
• Keep accurate
  count information including the following:
  • Date of count.
  • Sample number.
  • Subsample number and information.
  • Veliger count in whole veligers.
  • Analysis procedure.
  • Other planktonic organisms found within the samples.
  • Mortality information (if required).
• Record the following habitat information:
  • Water temperature at surface and sample depth.
  • Photic zone depth.
  • Velocity of water.
  • Salinity and calcium content.
  • Dissolved oxygen content.
  • pH and hardness of water.
  • Conductivity.

See the Veliger Collection Techniques and Veliger Analysis Techniques sections for additional collection and analysis procedures for veligers.

Monitoring Contents

Importance of Maintaining Long-Term Records of Monitoring Data