Marine Phytoplankton
Natural Resources Wales
This data collates all the Phytoplankton samples collected within Wales from 2007 onwards by Natural Resources Wales and former Environment Agency Wales that are held within NRWs KiEco Database. This methodology is based on the principle that additional nutrients (especially nitrogen) can alter the amount of phytoplankton in transitional and coastal waters. Persistent and high counts of phytoplankton taxa are also seen as a measure of disturbance in the phytoplankton community. These surveys are conducted as part of on-going monitoring for legislative requirements and to meet organisational drivers. In addition, sites may be sampled for investigative work, or on an ad hoc basis.
Phytoplankton samples are taken in situ and are usually sent to a specialist marine contractor for Species Identity and abundance (two labs have been used in this time period; CEFAS 2007 – 2009 & APEM 2010 – onwards). Phytoplankton samples are analysed (identified and counted) using the Utermöhl method.
For many of our marine survey techniques we record an NGR at the site because this acts as a central/representative location around which we collect lots of samples. An NGR is then also recorded against each of the samples to give a more accurate sampling location.
Redactions
Some information has be redacted to make the data openly available. This includes
- Third party data
- Data collected for ongoing investigations
- Cancelled or incomplete surveys
Update Frequency
This data is continually updated with most changes made in the early autumn. Data from survey seasons is often not enter at the time of capture and can be several months before its is entered into the system. The external dataset is updated monthly to include new data, and may also contain corrections to previously published data due to quality assurance work.
Information Warnings
- Surveys are carried out by a range of survey methods, the data from one survey is not necessarily directly comparable to another. The user is recommended to check the survey method used in the data provided.
- We do our best to avoid data quality problems, but as these datasets reflect the data we hold, they may contain errors
- The data is provided as a set of related data tables due to the quantity and structure of the data. A basic understanding of relational data is assumed.
- The change in analytical lab in 2010 resulted in the new laboratory reporting increased abundances of species because of the more high-powered microscopes available. There were also inconsistencies in recording Phaeocystis as either cell counts or colony counts.
Further Information
Please see the following documents for further information
Attribution statement
Contains Natural Resources Wales information © Natural Resources Wales and Database Right. All rights Reserved.
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Spatial data (3)
- Marine Phytoplankton Taxa
- Marine Phytoplankton Sample Metric
- Marine Phytoplankton Site Detail
Maps using this data (0)
Or display data on an existing map
- Type:
- Spatial data
- Category:
- Environment
- Publication date:
- 10 July 2025
- Licence:
- Open Government Licence for Public Sector Information (OGL)
-
Copyright:
- Point of contact:
- opendata@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
- Language
- English