Neuston Net Research Collective
DISCOVERY Yacht Langa
The Netherlands
June 2023
Purpose of Research
In November 2022, The International SeaKeepers Society launched the Neuston Net Research Collective to assist marine researchers with widespread sample collection. Vessels are equipped with neuston or plankton nets to collect Sargassum samples for Dr. Mike Parsons of Florida Gulf Coast University or document neustonic organisms such as Blue Button Jellyfish and Portuguese Man-o-War for Dr. Rebecca Helm of Georgetown University. These vessels allow for more robust data sets that our researchers will benefit from to further their marine studies and aid in the conservation of our oceans.
Program Overview
DISCOVERY Yacht Langa is sailing from the Netherlands, around the tip of South America to Antarctica, up through the South Pacific, and landing in Alaska on an amazing global journey while collecting neustonic samples for Dr. Rebecca Helm using a SeaKeepers neuston net. Dr. Helm will analyze these samples via detailed photographs to understand the presence of life at the ocean surface, especially in gyres and garbage patches. Little is known about the surface ecosystem, especially in some areas Langa will be sailing, and the collection of this data may help inform the creation of new Marine Protected Areas to protect this biodiversity.
Duration of Project
Ongoing since June 2023
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