A new plankton trap for use in the collection of rocky intertidal zooplankton

Abstract

Intertidal energy levels historicallylight and nocturnal tidal cycles. Diurnal differences in taxon abundances suggest diurnal vertical migration. have precluded the use of conventional plankton sampling methods in rocky inshore habitats. A new sampling device (intertidal plankton trap) that exploits wave surge was used to determine the composition, distribution, and abundance patterns of zooplankton from the surf zone of a rocky shore habitat. On three separate dates, replicate traps were used to sample consecutive tides, concurrently at two locations, to assess diurnal differences in inshore zooplankton during daylight and nocturnal tidal cycles. Diurnal differences in taxon abundances suggest diurnal vertical migration.