Mid-Atlantic Bight Associated Investigators: Related Web Sites: Related Time Series: Related COPEPOD Plankton Data Collections: Ship of Opportunity (SOOP) Transect Surveys have been conducted monthly with the Hardy Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) across the Gulf of Maine since 1961, and from New York towards Bermuda since 1971. This unique towed body samples zooplankton and larger phytoplankton organisms at a depth of 10 meters. The resulting time series rank among the longest for the northwest Atlantic. The "Gulf of Maine CPR transect" (Route MC) extends from the Massachusetts/New Hampshire coast to Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, a distance of approximately 450 km, crossing Massachusetts Bay, Wilkinson Basin, the central Gulf of Maine ledges, Crowell Basin, and the western Scotian Shelf. Sampling along this route began in 1961. The "Mid-Atlantic Bight CPR transect" (Route MB) extends from Ambrose Light off New York City toward Bermuda for a distance of approximately 450 km crossing the continental shelf, passing through shelf water, and usually extending in Gulf Stream water. Sampling along this route began in 1972. |