Continuous Plankton Recorder

An instrument for measuring plankton abundance in the ocean

Continuous Plankton Recorder

  File:Continuous Plankton Recorder.jpg

A Continuous Plankton Recorder being deployed

Classification
Other names
Classification
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
Inventor(s)
Developed
Timbre
Volume
Attack
Decay

The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) is a scientific instrument designed to collect data on the abundance and distribution of plankton in the ocean. It was invented by Sir Alister Hardy in 1931 and has been used extensively to monitor plankton populations across the world's oceans. The CPR is towed behind ships and collects plankton samples on a moving band of silk, which is then analyzed in laboratories.

History

The CPR was developed by Sir Alister Hardy, a British marine biologist, in the early 20th century. Hardy's invention was motivated by the need to understand the distribution and abundance of plankton, which are crucial components of marine ecosystems. The first CPR survey was conducted in 1931, and since then, the instrument has been used in numerous studies to track changes in plankton communities over time.

Design and Operation

The CPR is a robust and simple device that is towed behind ships at a depth of about 10 meters. It consists of a torpedo-shaped body that houses a mechanism for collecting plankton. As the CPR is towed, water enters the front of the device and passes over a moving band of silk. Plankton in the water are trapped on the silk, which is wound onto a spool inside the CPR. The silk is then retrieved and analyzed in a laboratory to identify and count the plankton.

Scientific Importance

Plankton are a critical component of marine ecosystems, serving as the base of the food web. They are also important indicators of environmental change, as their populations can be affected by factors such as climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. The data collected by CPRs have been invaluable in understanding long-term trends in plankton populations and their responses to environmental changes.

Applications

The data from CPR surveys have been used in a wide range of scientific studies, including:

• Monitoring the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
• Studying the distribution and abundance of fish larvae and other marine organisms.
• Investigating the impacts of human activities, such as pollution and overfishing, on marine life.

Also see

• Plankton
• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Alister Hardy
• Marine ecosystem