Abstract:

This dataset contains nematode identifications from animals isolated from Gulf of Mexico sediment samples collected in 2012-2013 on NOAA ships Gordon Gunter and Pisces. Addtionally, harpacticoid copepods from the same sediment samples are identified to Family level, with selected locations in 2013 identified to genus level. NOAA station data is available.

Suggested Citation:

Stephen C. Landers. 2015. Dataset for: Nematode and copepod identifications 2012-2013. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N77D2S3B

Publications:

Jones, C. M., Sharma, J., Miller, J. M., Stewart, P. M., & Landers, S. C. (2016). Nematode assemblages of the northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 129(1), 24–37. doi:10.2988/0006-324x-129.q1.24

Beaton, K. R., Sharma, J., Jones, C. M., Miller, J. M., Stewart, P. M., & Landers, S. C. (2017). Nematode assemblages in the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf collected during a two-year survey. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2017.08.006

Purpose:

To document the nematode and copepod diversity on the Gulf continental shelf.

Data Parameters and Units:

Animals are reported by the number of each genus or family from each sediment collection site.

Methods:

Sediment samples were collected along the United States’ Gulf of Mexico continental shelf in 2012 and 2013. Samples taken in 2013 were collected with a multi corer, whereas samples from 2012 that were taken with a Shipek® sediment grab, on the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) ships Gordon Gunter and Pisces, in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The samples were fixed immediately in 5-10% formalin, and meiofauna was subsequently extracted by Ludox centrifugation. After sorting under a dissecting microscope, the specimens were shipped to taxonomic specialists. Nematodes were examined by light microscopy and identified to genus by Dr. Jo Sharma, University of Texas at San Antonio. Copepods were examined by light microscopy and identified to either Family or Genus by Drs. Jeff Baguley and Hyun Bang at the University of Nevada-Reno. The first 100 nematodes, randomly selected from each station, were identified. All copepods were identified.

Individual Files: