Participatory observation series

Objective Plankton

The participatory science programme Objectif Plancton, coordinated by Océanopolis Brest, aims to study coastal plankton in the harbours of Brest and Lorient as well as in Concarneau Bay. This regional project brings together scientists, yachtsmen, scientific mediators and the general public to contribute to our knowledge of the ocean. This programme is unique in that it makes it possible to acquire a series of observations and measurements that deal with both small-scale spatial variations and temporal variations in planktonic, plant and animal diversity in the coastal environment. The participation of sea users is an essential and original part of this scientific research programme, which is fuelled by an eco-citizen initiative. This collective project contributes to improving knowledge of coastal ecosystems and creating new links between science and society.

More information on the Océanopolis website

Partners

Coordinator: Océanopolis
Research and scientific culture partners: European Institute for marine studies (IUEM-UBO), IFREMER, Concarneau Marine Station (National Museum of Natural History/Sorbonne University), EXPLORE, Plankton Observatory.
Sea user partners: Amicale des plaisanciers des Marinas de Brest (APMB), SNSM de Brest, associations “Les Glénan”, “Marche Avec”, “Ansel”, “Astrolabe Expéditions”, Centre Nautique de Fouesnant Cornouaille, Club nautique des minahouets de Locmiquelic, Association des Pêcheurs Plaisanciers de la Région de Lorient, Amicale des pêcheurs plaisanciers de Port-Louis.

The site

3 collection sites and many participants.

In Brest harbour, around twenty boats take part in each collection session, whether they are members of the Amicale des plaisanciers brestois or the SNSM.
In the Bay of Concarneau, no less than thirty volunteers are involved in Objectif Plancton, whether they are individuals or members of associations such as “Les Glénan”, “Marche Avec”, “Ansel”, “Astrolabe Expéditions” or the Centre Nautique de Fouesnant Cornouaille.
In Lorient harbour, the Club nautique des Minahouet de Locmiquelic, the Association des Pêcheurs Plaisanciers de la Région de Lorient, and the Amicale des pêcheurs plaisanciers de Port-Louis regularly collect plankton on board a dozen boats.

Monitoring

Parameters

Technical

Temperature

Measuring seawater temperature for spatial variations that can explain different habitats and multi-year changes.

Turbidity

Estimate the amount of suspended solids by measuring water clarity.

Taxonomy of phytoplankton

Describe the diversity of plant plankton and know the diversity and dynamics of phytoplankton

Measuring the hydrogen potential of water (i.e. the concentration of the hydrogen ion), which makes it possible to define its acidic or basic character.

Chlorophyll a

Measuring this pigment, which enables algae to capture the light necessary for photosynthesis (transformation of solar energy into chemical energy), is a way of determining the quantity of phytoplankton.

Ichtyoplankton

Inventory and monitor fish larvae at each study site

Salinity

Measuring the amount of dissolved salts in the water. Its value is accessible by measuring the conductivity.

Nutrient salts

Quantifying the concentrations of nitrates and nitrites, phosphates and silicates present in seawater. These major nutrients allow scientists to link the diversity and distribution of plankton to certain environmental factors in the environment.

Sampling kits are provided to each yachtsman in order to measure the parameters mentioned below:

A Secchi disc for measuring water turbidity
Various canisters and bottles to contain the samples
An isothermal bag and ice to preserve certain samples (phytoplankton and ichthyoplankton)
Different types of nets depending on what is to be collected for laboratory analysis (Bongo net for animal plankton, phytoplankton net (20 microns))
A collection tube to collect seawater for laboratory analysis of the following parameters: salinity, nutrient concentrations, photosynthetic pigment levels, cytometry, total biomass and organic matter composition
Lugol to preserve some samples until they are analysed in the laboratory

In the laboratory, various tools are used: inverted microscope, FlowCam, HPLC, flow cytometer, auto-analyzer, etc.