An apparatus for the collection of plankton in the immediate vicinity of the sea-bottom

Abstract

In connexion with a study of plankton-benthos interrelationships off the coast of Northumberland, an apparatus was designed for the collection of plankton in the immediate vicinity of the sea-bottom, a layer usually missed by ordinary plankton sampling gear. The present account is a brief description of this apparatus, together with some notes on its handling at sea and the work carried out with it on board the Dove Marine Laboratory's boat, the Pandalus II.I was fortunate in having the willing co-operation of numerous people who helped in various ways, and to whom I am very greatly indebted. These included my father, Mr E. Bossanyi; Mr T. E. F. Sanderson of Eastcote, Middlesex; Prof. A. C. Hardy, Oxford University; Dr C. E. Lucas, Fishery Laboratory, Aberdeen; Prof. A. D. Hobson, Director of the Dove Marine Laboratory; Dr H. O. Bull, Assistant Director; Messrs Ellis and Co., Engineering Works, Swalwell, County Durham; the Department of Mechanical Engineering of King's College, Newcastle upon Tyne; and the entire scientific, boat and technical staff as well as research students at the Dove Marine Laboratory. Without them, the design, construction and employment of the apparatus would not have been possible.