Pelagic

The term Pelagic is derived from the Greek word 'pelagos', meaning 'open sea'.

The pelagic ecosystem is very large and interacts most directly with the atmosphere and extensive sea ice that forms during the Antarctic winter. The life histories of all pelagic species from microbes to whales are influenced by the advance and retreat of sea ice. In turn, most of the top predators (penguins, seals, and whales) are dependent on the intermediate trophic levels of the pelagic zone, the krill, squid, and pelagic fishes, for their food. Thus, the pelagic zone is a critical element in the Antarctic ecosystem, and a highly sensitive one.

Scientists will study the pelagic ecosystem using different types of equipment, including:

• Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR)
• a range of nets
• CTD-Bottle rosettes
• acoustic sounders
• remotely operated vehicles (ROV)
• satellite trackers on Top Predators
• fixed moorings with a range of equipment attached

Demonstration projects

Pelagic fish [PDF, 416 KB]

Sampling protocols

Pelagic sampling detail [PDF, 398 KB]

Pelagic fish sampling [PDF, 358 KB]

Pelagic sampling overview [PDF, 124 KB]

Continuous Plankton Recorder [PDF,603 KB]