PIE LTER zooplankton surveys using plankton tows along transects in the Plum Island Sound estuary, Massachusetts

Zooplankton were collected in spring and late summer/fall at four stations representing the salinity gradient in the Parker River-Plum Island Sound estuary. Two size classes, greater than 335 micron and greater than 150 micron, were collected by net tows. Conductivity or salinty and temperature were recorded for each sample. Samples were concentrated to less than 250 mls and preserved in 70 percent EtOH. For taxonomy, sample splits were taken such that a minimum of 250 individuals were present, and counted under a dissecting microscope. Individuals were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, generally to species. Adult copepods were additionally characterized by sex.