AUTHOR=Lombard Fabien , Boss Emmanuel , Waite Anya M. , Vogt Meike , Uitz Julia , Stemmann Lars , Sosik Heidi M. , Schulz Jan , Romagnan Jean-Baptiste , Picheral Marc , Pearlman Jay , Ohman Mark D. , Niehoff Barbara , Möller Klas O. , Miloslavich Patricia , Lara-Lpez Ana , Kudela Raphael , Lopes Rubens M. , Kiko Rainer , Karp-Boss Lee , Jaffe Jules S. , Iversen Morten H. , Irisson Jean-Olivier , Fennel Katja , Hauss Helena , Guidi Lionel , Gorsky Gaby , Giering Sarah L. C. , Gaube Peter , Gallager Scott , Dubelaar George , Cowen Robert K. , Carlotti François , Briseño-Avena Christian , Berline Léo , Benoit-Bird Kelly , Bax Nicholas , Batten Sonia , Ayata Sakina Dorothée , Artigas Luis Felipe , Appeltans Ward TITLE=Globally Consistent Quantitative Observations of Planktonic Ecosystems JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science VOLUME=6 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00196 DOI=10.3389/fmars.2019.00196 ISSN=2296-7745 ABSTRACT=

In this paper we review the technologies available to make globally quantitative observations of particles in general—and plankton in particular—in the world oceans, and for sizes varying from sub-microns to centimeters. Some of these technologies have been available for years while others have only recently emerged. Use of these technologies is critical to improve understanding of the processes that control abundances, distributions and composition of plankton, provide data necessary to constrain and improve ecosystem and biogeochemical models, and forecast changes in marine ecosystems in light of climate change. In this paper we begin by providing the motivation for plankton observations, quantification and diversity qualification on a global scale. We then expand on the state-of-the-art, detailing a variety of relevant and (mostly) mature technologies and measurements, including bulk measurements of plankton, pigment composition, uses of genomic, optical and acoustical methods as well as analysis using particle counters, flow cytometers and quantitative imaging devices. We follow by highlighting the requirements necessary for a plankton observing system, the approach to achieve it and associated challenges. We conclude with ranked action-item recommendations for the next 10 years to move toward our vision of a holistic ocean-wide plankton observing system. Particularly, we suggest to begin with a demonstration project on a GO-SHIP line and/or a long-term observation site and expand from there, ensuring that issues associated with methods, observation tools, data analysis, quality assessment and curation are addressed early in the implementation. Global coordination is key for the success of this vision and will bring new insights on processes associated with nutrient regeneration, ocean production, fisheries and carbon sequestration.