Lorn Pelagic Observatory — Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban UK

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The Lorn Pelagic Observatory

The Lorn Pelagic Observatory (LPO) comprises salinity-stratified fjordic waters in the inner Firth of Lorne, the Lynn of Lorn, and the associated sea-lochs Creran, Etive and Spelve. It has been sampled for microplankton (phytoplankton and associated pelagic protozoa) since 1970, with a gap from 1985 through 1999. The results contribute knowledge of conditions on the west coast of Scotland to analyses of the state of the Pelagic Habitat in UK waters.

The Plankton Index (PI) tool

The Plankton Index (PI) tool is used to examine changes in the balance of pelagic lifeforms at the LPO and at other UK sites. Here is the current version of the Matlab code for the PI tool, and a handbook:

Plankton Index Tool Guide

Matlab code (ZIP File)

A map, showing the location of the this microplankton sampling site

The Firth of Lorn