One of the most advanced tools in the aquatic researcher tool box, the bucket allows for easy collection of surface water.

WHAT IS IT

A plastic bucket with a string attached to the handle.

HOW IS IT USED

The bucket is cast over the side of the ship and hauled back in when it has filled with surface water.

The collected water sample is then poured into a storage bottle for later analysis at the lab.

WHY IS IT USED

It is important to collect water samples from various depths at a particular station, the bucket proves to be an elegantly simple method of collecting the water samples which are later analyzed in the lab for factors such as nutrient and chemical content.

Sampling from the same depth at different stations provides samples that will make it easier to compare finding from different stations.