Comparative evaluation of mesozooplankton sampling techniques around South Georgia: traditional and imaging approaches

This study set out to test and compare different methodologies used to assess zooplankton communities around South Georgia. A baseline for zooplankton abundance and diversity in this region is still lacking, making this research particularly timely. Three methodological approaches were employed, principally focussed on the mesozooplankton size classes: the Underwater Vision Profiler 6 (UVP6-HF), traditional net sampling (RMT1 and miniBongo), and bench-top imaging analysis using Zooscan. Each technique varied in its effectiveness, with notable differences in the number of individuals detected per cubic metre. Traditional net sampling resulted in higher abundance estimates, while the UVP6, although providing lower taxonomic resolution, offered the advantage of rapid data acquisition and deployment. The trade-off between speed and taxonomic resolution underlines the complementary nature of these techniques for comprehensive mesozooplankton monitoring.