Collection and analysis of phytoplankton samples

As part of Port Phillip Bay monthly monitoring undertaken by EPA Victoria, a spatial and temporal variability in phytoplankton community was observed. Total Phytoplankton numbers and species assemblages vary greatly depending on location and season (Figure 1 - April 2009). Corio Bay represents an area of high activity that shows connection along the West coast of Port Phillip Bay (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Total Phytoplankton numbers in Port Phillip Bay (February 2008 – June 2010)

Source: Water Quality Milestone Report #6 – July 2010 www.oem.vic.gov.au/Assets/933/1/EPAWQMilestoneRep6_01Oct10_Final.pdf

Figure 2: Chlorophyll a and total phytoplankton in Corio Bay (January – June 2010)

Source: Water Quality Milestone Report #6 – July 2010 oem.vic.gov.au/Assets/933/1/EPAWQMilestoneRep6_01Oct10_Final.pdf

Using the Two Bays 2011, the spatial gradient of plankton communities between Corio and the West Coast of Port Phillip Bay will be studied with high resolution sampling from the continuous water quality system. The full suite of samples will be preserved for later analysis and subsamples will be assessed in situ using an on board microscope. This will be provided by a companion study on Marine Pests undertaken by Melbourne University throughout the cruise.

Expected outcomes:

Gain better understanding of spatial variability of phytoplankton communities in Port Phillip Bay
Link phytoplankton assemblages to continuous water quality data
Link to companion studies (Marine Pests undertaken by Melbourne University)