A NEW OPENING - CLOSING PAIRED ZOOPLANKTON NET,

Abstract : A new, opening-closing, paired zooplankton net for horizontal or oblique towing was built and tested. The nets have no obstructions in front of them and are large enough to filter water at the rate of 47.5 cubic m/min at a towing speed of 2 kts. The nets are opened by a messenger but close when a set volume of water has been filtered. Thus when used in vertical series, the same amount of water is strained by all nets. There are no electrical components requiring special winches or wires. The nets are simple to construct, rugged and easily maintained at sea. Their 'catching ability' compares favorably with other nets. They function more than 80 percent of the time. (Author)