Zooplancton Manual. Manual de muestreo, trabajo en la estación
Introducción
Enlace al manual (versión en inglés)
The fundamental part of any scientific study is sample taking and handling. The sampling methodology must be defined in WORK PROTOCOLS. This provides a standardised system to ensure samples are taken in a systematic and consistent manner, irrespective of who takes the samples. Carefully following the instructions set out in Protocols will ensure that samples taken in accordance with those Protocols provide results of great scientific value.
However, in the event of carelessness, the work carried out when taking samples will be almost worthless since the quality of the data obtained will be uncertain. Samples do not only have high economic value (daily cost of personnel, the costs of the vessel and equipment, etc.), they have another incalculable value: they are unique. The information supplied by each sample is unique: it provides data on the condition of the studied resource, the result of specific oceanographic conditions at a given point in time and in a specific location.
Sampling equipment (nets, flow-meters, laboratory equipment, etc.) is used to collect and handle samples. Therefore, the state of maintenance of this equipment will directly influence sampling results.
A final aspect that must be borne in mind concerns Occupational Safety. The safety of personnel performing different sample collection and handling operations is VERY IMPORTANT. Staff working at any research centre is one of the main assets of such centres. Therefore, special attention must be given to guarantee their physical integrity.
The purpose of the technical support visit by the technical team from the IEO (Spanish Institute of Oceanography) to the NatMIRC has been training for technical personnel on different aspects of their work, as well as the preparation of this Reference Manual.
Presented below are two manuals outlining different WORK PROTOCOLS, which will serve as a basis for the preparation of in-house manuals, in which both research and technical staff may indicate their experiences and requirements in order to improve and adapt these protocols to
their needs.
