WHAT IS IT
The zooplankton net is similar to the phytoplankton net, however it consists of a coarser mesh of 250 microns (1/4mm); common mesh sizes range from 150-500mm.
HOW IS IT USED
The net is lowered slowly to the desired depth, then is pulled up more quickly, concentrating small animals known collectively as zooplankton in the attached sample jar as it rises towards the surface.
The net is sprayed from the outside with lake water to loosen any animals stuck to the inside of the net, and the sample container is then emptied into a sample jar.
Zooplankton can include such animals as daphnia, copepods, and other small organisms.WHY IS IT USED
By collecting zooplankton over time and studying them researchers can notice changes in their population. Since zooplankton are used as food by fish in the lake, a decrease in zooplankton could lead to the decrease of fish in Lake Michigan.