Census of Marine Zooplankton (CMarZ) Synthesis Plan
Version 4 – 07 October 2008
CMarZ Synthesis Leaders and Responsibilities
The CMarZ lead-P.I., Ann Bucklin (University of Connecticut) will have responsibility to
ensure that synthesis proceeds on schedule. She will ensure integration of all CMarZ data,
information, and results from all CMarZ efforts, and will lead regional synthesis efforts for North
America, identifying coordinators for synthesis activities in South America and Africa.
Co-P.I.s Shuhei Nishida (Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Japan) and
Sigrid Schiel (Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Germany) will be
responsible for coordinating synthesis activities in Asia and Europe, respectively. Dr. Schiel will
also lead synthesis efforts for polar regions, in coordination with other CoML field projects.
Peter Wiebe (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA), who oversees the CMarZ
Data and Information Management Office will complete the leadership team; he will be
responsible for data management, interoperability of CMarZ databases, and integration with
OBIS.
The CMarZ Synthesis Team will thus include four people: Ann Bucklin, Shuhei Nishida,
Sigrid Schield, and Peter Wiebe. This team will be supported by the active engagement and
support of the CMarZ Communications Coordinator, Nancy Copley (Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution, USA). This group will be responsible for preparing synthesis reports,
updates, and other documents requested or required by the CoML Synthesis Team.
The CMarZ Steering Group as a whole will also be actively engaged in all synthesis
activities. The Steering Group, which now comprises 23 members from 14 countries, has
balanced representation for geographic, taxonomic, and scientific and technical expertise. Each
Steering Group member will be expected to participate in synthesis meetings and workshops, and
will be responsible for assembling and interpreting the results and deliverables from their
respective cooperating projects for inclusion in the project synthesis report. All Steering Group
and Network members will be invited to contribute chapters, side-bars, data visualizations,
images, and other materials for consideration for inclusion in a CMarZ synthesis publication.
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
Page 1
CMarZ Synthesis Products
May 12, 2008
I. CoML Synthesis Products
Note: The outline numbering of items refers to CoML Synthesis Priorities for 2010
3. Project Synthesis Chapter: using CoML template to be provided; CMarZ focus should be our
global-ocean scope. No action needed at this time; we will wait for CoML guidance and
finalization of the template for the chapter. Expect that all SG members will be authors.
CMarZ members of CoML SWG: Ann Bucklin, Shuhei Nishida, Sigrid Schiel, Peter Wiebe
Update 10/08: CMarZ has received the McIntyre Synthesis Chapter outline. Planning and
beginning actual writing of the chapter are primary goals of the CMarZ Synthesis Workshop
(October 8-10, 2008).
II. CoML Cross-Project Synthesis Groups and Products
CMarZ Steering Group members will play a direct and contributing role in the following CoML
cross-project synthesis initiatives and activities
A. Topic: Diversity
CoML Synthesis Initiative #1. Complete list of named species
CMarZ member of CoML Synthesis Group: Nancy Copley
CMarZ contribution: complete list of species names for marine holozooplankton groups.
Each group will need its own expert for species names; needs validation and synonyms.
Demetrio Boltovskoy will seek permission from authors of “South Atlantic Zooplankton”
monograph to use species lists. Nancy Copley will consult the Razouls website and figure
out what permission is needed to use information. Taxon-specific information
responsibilities are: Shuhei Nishida (copepods), Steve Hay (copepods), Janet Bradford
Grieve (copepods), Annelies Pierrot Bults (chaetognaths), Chris Reid (or SAHFOS
representative), Demetrio Boltovskoy (radiolarians, South Atlantic), Dhugal Lyndsay
(ctenophores), Vijaya Nair (chaetognaths), Larry Madin (thaliaceans) Partners: ICES, IT
IS, ERMS, WRMS.
CoML Initiative #2. Marine species pages
CMarZ members of CoML SWG: Annelies Pierrot Bults and Nancy Copley
B. Topic: Distribution
CoML Synthesis Initiative #8. New global biogeographies
CMarZ member of CoML Synthesis Group: Annelies Pierrot Bults
C. Topic: Abundance
CoML Synthesis Initiative #14. Fresh estimate of changes in size distribution of animals
CMarZ member of CoML Synthesis Group: TBD (Possible lead)
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
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CoML Synthesis Initiative #XX. Biomass estimation
CMarZ member of CoML Synthesis Group: Peter Wiebe
D. Topic: Cross-cutting – Diversity + Distribution + Abundance
CoML Synthesis Initiative #16. Roles of the Rare
CMarZ member of CoML Synthesis Group: Ann Bucklin
III. CMarZ Synthesis Products
1) CMarZ Special Issues of Scientific Journals:
A) Progress in Oceanography: Action Item: Ann Bucklin will request information from
Steering Group members on manuscripts each would submit or contribute to.
CMarZ SWG#1A: Ann Bucklin, Martin Angel, Demetrio Boltovskoy, Russell Hopcroft,
Annelies Pierrot Bults
Update 10/08: Ann proposed a special issue to Francisco Werner (Editor, Progress in
Oceanography) and received an initial positive response. This issue will be designed after
the Deep-Sea Research issue (see below).
B) Deep Sea Research Special Topics Issue: Action Item: Ann Bucklin will request
information from Steering Group members on manuscripts each would submit or
contribute to. Once list of papers is developed, issue title and conceptual focus will be
developed for review by Steering Group; Peter Wiebe will propose special issue to John
Milliman (DSR editor). Possible focus includes Atlantic diversity patterns for Sargasso
Sea and Eastern Atlantic cruise results; or conceptual “CMarZian” study of global
patterns of diversity or morphological-molecular analysis or mesopelagic diversity.
CMarZ SWG#1B: Peter Wiebe and Guest Editors to be named.
Update 10/08: A list of manuscripts has been requested and the DSR-II special issue is being
designed. The journal Editor has been informally asked; a formal request will be made after
the CMarZ Synthesis Workshop during October 8-10, 2008.
2) Estimation and analysis of pelagic size spectra: Based on existing data; CMarZ effort or a
cross-project synthesis proposal to CoML in partnership with other projects. Consider microbes,
plankton, fish, and whales. Size spectrum may be useful as an indicator of changes in ocean
ecosystems over time with climate change, and as reflection of carbon and energy pathways.
Partners: ICOMM, MARECO, ArcOD, CAML, GoMA, (GLOBEC, CalCOFI, SAHFOS,
NMFS, EU, etc.) Note: Will link to CoML Initiative #14C. Topic: Abundance
CMarZ SWG#2 members: Chris Reid (or SAHFOS representative), Tracey Sutton, Steve Hay
3) Clearinghouse for taxonomic tools for zooplankton, including keys and regional
monographs, web-based or not. CMarZ should prepare a descriptive summary or evaluation of
each entry (scope and focus, completeness, strengths and weaknesses, etc). The CMarZ
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
Page 3
homepage should link to web-based resources. All Steering Group members will send links to
useful web resources to Nancy Copley for posting on the CMarZ website.
CMarZ SWG#3 Members: Nancy Copley to coordinate expert taxonomists of SG and Network
4) CMarZ Web-based Mapping and Visualization:
The CMarZ Data and Information Management group will continue to carry out this important
function for CMarZ. CMarZ data will be accessible via the Biological and Chemical
Oceanography Data Management Office (BCO-DMO) system which will provide easy access to
all of the CMarZ data from any web browser. Data can be downloaded as flat files, comma or
tab separated values, as a Matlab binary file, in NetCDF format, and in Open Geospatial
Consortium’s Web Feature Service format. The BCO-DMO also supports several basic plotting
and visualization options including station location plots, X-Y plots (such as salinity versus
water depth), and as abundance plots where the circle size is proportional to the sample weight or
sample count. CMarZ data managers will work with the Mapping and Visualization group
headed by Patrick Halpin in order to follow their recommendations, once they are developed.
CMarZ should also have a Synthesis Working Group to link data and visualization efforts to
several useful research efforts. These include:
A) CMarZ should work to highlight our global focus and ensure desired functionality
(drillable data points) and software choice (alternative to Google Maps due to license fees).
We should consider use of nested grids of higher resolution in coastal or near shore (e.g.,
one for each ocean basin, plus a coarser global grid); hands-on tools to promote access for
secondary and university; intuitive web-based V&A for easy access to data, analytical tools,
presentation software. Gridding should be optional for presentation and analysis; we should
address the issue of missing data points.
B) CMarZ should develop analytical tools by building new partnerships with:
- PRIMER developer Bob Clark (PML/UK) – Chris Reid
- Google Ocean – Larry Madin (Google Earth Advisory Committee)
- ICES Data Management – Peter Wiebe (ICES Data Management WG)
- FMAP (Brian MacKenzie) for predictive modeling of species distributions – TBN
CMarZ SWG#4 Members: Chris Reid, Russ Hopcroft, Peter Wiebe, Dicky Allison (WHOI), Paul
Dowland (University Plymouth, UK).
5) CMarZ Books: Coffee table book and a less expensive field guide; also be on the web and
on a CD. Need to identify the CMarZ lead for a book project.
CMarZ SWG#5 Members: Larry Madin, Russ Hopcroft, Demetrio Boltovskoy, Shuhei Nishida
Update 10/08: We will identify a CMarZ editor and lead for this synthesis product, and begin
work on identifying a publisher and funding strategy during the CMarZ Synthesis Workshop
(October 8-10, 2008).
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
Page 4
6) CMarZ Poster: Based on living plankton images from Larry Madin, Russ Hopcroft, Cheryl
Clarke-Hopcroft, others. Rejuvenate discussion led by Todd O’Brien (NMFS and ICES). Larry
Madin will check with WHOI Graphics Department, which did an earlier poster, about what is
needed for a CMarZ poster.
CMarZ SWG#6 Members: Larry Madin, Russ Hopcroft
Update 10/08: We will identify a CMarZ lead for this synthesis product and develop a plan of
work and timeline during the CMarZ Synthesis Workshop (October 8-10, 2008).
7) CMarZ Species Pages: Goal will be have all CMarZ species pages based on same data,
information, or images in databases or data tables in Dreamweaver or other software. Pages will
be dynamically assembled, so pages may have distinct formats when accessed from different
websites or portals (CMarZ, ArcOD, or CoML). We will need to confirm that all data tables
(from CMarZ, CMarZ-Asia, and ArcOD / Dreamweaver) will be compatible and accessible from
all sites; species pages should be layered so technical info and details are hidden unless queried.
Partners: EOL, North Pacific Research Board, ArcOD, CAML
Tasks (coordinated by Nancy Copley): ensure compatibility among data formats and data tables
used by different CMarZ Steering Group members; assign Steering Group members as Species
Page editors, who will have responsibility for the accuracy of the Species Pages’ content; ask
CMarZ Network members to contribute information for 5 species pages via the web interface;
make sure each page includes the name of the author or authority, and that each photo has the
credit integrated onto the image; consult with Jim Edwards (EOL/GBIF) about coordination
between CMarZ and EOL, and also possibility of funding from CoML or GBIF for our efforts.
CMarZ SWG#7 Members: Russ Hopcroft (Co-Chair), Nancy Copley (Co-Chair), Ryuji Machida
(Co-Chair), Shuhei Nishida, Vijaya Nair, Larry Madin, Chris Reid, Demetrio Boltovskoy
Note: Will link to CoML Initiative #2. Marine species pages
CMarZ members of CoML SWG: Annelies Pierrot Bults and Nancy Copley
8) DNA Barcodes for Zooplankton: Confirm protocols and data standards, coordinate among
all CMarZ barcoding centers, post species lists of barcodes on (password-protected) webpage.
Consider whether additional gene is needed for some or all groups.
CMarZ SWG#8 Members: Ann Bucklin, Ryuji Machida, Erica Goetze, Vijaya Nair, Sun Song
Note: Will link to CoML Initiative #3
CMarZ participant for CoML Initiative: Ann Bucklin
9) Scientific American article on the “Super Powers of Plankton”. Among the topics are:
elemental composition, shape, color and structure, transparency, and bioluminescence of
zooplankton. Highlight effects of acidification on the plankton – their color and shape and
structure are the attention getters. Potential impacts of ocean acidification and climate change;
build appreciation for the size range, diversity of zooplankton; use computer visualization of
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
Page 5
shapes, lots of pictures, new technologies. The importance of the color red in the deep sea;
transparency (how do they do that?), bioluminescence. Look at previous papers so as not to
repeat.
CMarZ SWG#9: Chris Reid (lead), Peter Wiebe, Russ Hopcroft, Shuhei Nishida
III. Timeline for Synthesis Milestones, Events, and Publications
2008
Milestone
DNA barcoding of zooplankton - review
paper (Oceanography or 2nd Barcode of
Life Conference Symposium volume)
Timeframe
2008
Status
Special Session, Global Patterns of
Holozooplankton Biodiversity” at
AGU/ASLO Ocean Sciences Meeting in
Florida
Data management and synthesis workshop
for CMarZ Steering Group members who are
major data contributors (Woods Hole, MA
USA; May 2007)
2-7 March
2008
●
October
2008
●
Meeting scheduled for
October (delayed from June)
CMarZ small group meetings and
regional workshops
July 2008
●
Meetings delayed until 2009
due to funding limitations.
2009
Milestone
CMarZ participation in CoML KUU
workshop in Long Beach, CA.
Timeframe
February
2009
●
Status
Comments
Invited barcoding papers in
preparation for BOLI Special
Volume and Annual Review
of Marine Science (2009).
Comments
●
Synthesis planning workshop with selected
CMarZ Steering Group members and other
CoML field project representatives
TBA
●
Likely September 2009 in
association with ICES ASC
in Berlin, Germany
Numerical or population dynamic
modeling effort integrated into CMarZ
data analysis and synthesis goals.
TBA
●
NSF US GLOBEC Synthesis
funding for Calanus
finmarchicus.
CMarZ Special Symposium Volume,
with compilation of papers from ASLO
2008 Ocean Sciences symposium
Target 90% data completion for CMarZ
databases; 300 CMarZ Species Pages
Late 2009
●
Late 2009
●
Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa
Regional synthesis reports completed
Late 2009
●
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
Progress will be expedited by
collaboration with
Encyclopedia of Life.
Page 6
Synthesis leadership team meeting,
review and integration of regional
reports, preparation of summary
synthesis report.
Late 2009
●
CMarZ Special Session at International
Meeting (e.g., ICES)
September
2009
●
2010
Milestone
Final CMarZ Synthesis Report Submitted
to CoML
Timeframe
January
2010
Status
Comments
●
Publication of a CMarZ book on marine
zooplankton for children and/or general
audiences.
TBA
●
Second CMarZ Special Symposium
Volume with compilation of papers from
special session at ICES or other
international scientific meeting.
Late 2010
●
CoML finale event in London, UK.
October
2010
●
CMarZ Synthesis Plan (October 7, 2008)
ICES Special Session
proposal pending
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