Plankton - Methods for study

Standard plankton net is the most commonly used apparatus for collection of plankton (IOE- Standard net has 1m2 mouth and mesh width of 300 μm). It comprises a cone of bolting silk (or equivalent material) mounted on a ring or hoo p to which are attached three thin rope bridles spliced to a small ring by means of which the net can be shackled to a towing rope or warp (Fig.1). A weight is attached to the warp to facilitate sinking of the net to the required depth and to keep horizontal opening. Horizontal or oblique haul is commonly employed though vertical haul can also be made as desired with suitable change in the attachment of weight.