Towards a distributed and operational pelagic imaging network
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/Keywords:
Digital imaging, Plankton, Nekton, Detritus, Pelagic ecologyAbstract
Dimensions of particulate matter found in the water column of marine and freshwater environments (the
pelagic realm) range from nanometers to tens of meters. Included in this enormous size range are miniature
bacteria, phytoplankton (photosynthetic microalgae), mixoplankton (mixotrophic microorganisms), micro- to
meter sized drifting animals (zooplankton), plastic particles, detrital aggregates and fecal pellets, fish, whales
and many others. These particles and organisms are involved in many different processes and perform a
multitude of services, such as in oceanic biogeochemistry (carbon fixation, oxygen production, carbon export
and others) or human nourishment (fisheries). Digital optical tools used in pelagic imaging approaches now
allow to bridge this enormous size span and to image micro- to meter-sized objects in situ or on discrete
samples. Monitoring plankton, nekton, and particle dynamics at spatial and temporal scales that enable
effective management of marine and freshwater environments poses a collective challenge for society. We
here argue that a global, distributed and operational network for pelagic imaging is needed and within reach,
and we provide recommendations how it can be attained via the voluntary activities of the pelagic imaging
community and strategic support from funding agencies and other stakeholders.
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