Ph. D. Kennedy Space Center, Dynamac Corporation, Florida Institute of Technology, Saint Vincent College. Ph. D. Kennedy Space Center, Dynamac Corporation, Florida Institute of Technology, Saint Vincent College. Essential for the survival and success of the aquatic ecosystem, plankton form the basis of the aquatic food chain by providing nutrition for most fish larvae and small aquatic animals.
Numerous variables impact plankton development and assemblage.
One major influence is predator population. Other influences include light intensity and nutrient concentration, both of which are highly affected by oceanic currents. Also, plankton undergo diel migration patterns, determining vertical distribution of the organism. In order to track plankton assemblages, sampling is conducted at dusk, the time in which plankton ascend to the surface. Samples are sorted and counted for fish eggs and larvae.