The water will flush the sample into the bottom sample container. The clamp holding the net to the sample container is loosened, and the container is removed from the net. The sample is then transferred from the container into a beaker for transport into the laboratory. The beaker is placed in the sink in case it spills. Samples are taken from the beaker for viewing and counting under a microscope equipped with a video camera and monitor.
Additional water is sprayed onto the entire plankton sampler to clean it.
The sample container is rinsed in clean water and then re-attached to the net. The sampler is then returned to its place on the deck.