We use Zooglider, a low-power optical zooplankton-sensing glider, to test the covariability of the fine-scale vertical distributions of six omnivorous zooplankton taxa with three different representations of their potential prey field: small suspended particles (equivalent circular diameter [ECD] between 0.25 and 0.45 mm), marine snow (ECD ≥ 0.45 mm), and chlorophyll a (Chl a), in the San Diego Trough. All three prey fields tend to be highly correlated from 100 m to the depth of the subsurface Chl a maximum layer (SCML), while correlations between the prey fields are weaker or nonexistent from the SCML to the surface. An index of spatial overlap (Local Index of Collocation) showed stronger overlap of zooplankton with marine snow or small particles than with Chl a in most cases. Moreover, generalized additive models revealed marine snow distributions or small particles as the primary explanatory variable, by percent deviance explained, for all zooplankton taxa tested. Chl a distributions were a secondary explanatory variable for four of the six taxa tested (small copepods, appendicularia-Fritillaria, and both night and day large copepods), and an insignificant explanatory variable for the remaining two (appendicularia-others and large protists). The distributions of suspended particles, during our year-round study in the San Diego Trough, were more informative for explaining distributions of omnivorous zooplankton than Chl a alone.

Some planktonic patches have markedly higher concentrations of organisms compared to ambient conditions and are <5 m in thickness (i.e. thin layers). Conventional net sampling techniques are unable to resolve this vertical microstructure, while optical imaging systems can measure it for limited durations. Zooglider, an autonomous zooplankton-sensing glider, uses a low-power optical imaging system (Zoocam) to resolve mesozooplankton at a vertical scale of 5 cm while making concurrent physical and acoustic measurements (Zonar). In March 2017, Zooglider was compared with traditional nets (MOCNESS) and ship-based acoustics (Simrad EK80). Zoocam recorded significantly higher vertically integrated abundances of smaller copepods and appendicularians, and larger gelatinous predators and mineralized protists, but similar abundances of chaetognaths, euphausiids, and nauplii. Differences in concentrations and size-frequency distributions are attributable to net extrusion and preservation artifacts, suggesting advantages of in situ imaging of organisms by Zooglider. Zoocam detected much higher local concentrations of copepods and appendicularians (53 000 and 29 000 animals m-3, respectively) than were resolvable by nets. The EK80 and Zonar at 200 kHz agreed in relative magnitude and distribution of acoustic backscatter. The profiling capability of Zooglider allows for deeper high-frequency acoustic sampling than conventional ship-based acoustics.

We present the design and preliminary results from ocean deployments of Zooglider, a new autonomous zooplankton-sensing glider. Zooglider is a modified Spray glider that includes a low-power camera (Zoocam) with telecentric lens and a custom dual frequency Zonar (200 and 1000 kHz). The Zoocam quantifies zooplankton and marine snow as they flow through a defined volume inside a sampling tunnel. Images are acquired on average every 5 cm from a maximum operating depth of ~ 400 m to the sea surface. Biofouling is mitigated using a dual approach: an ultraviolet light-emitting diode and a mechanical wiper. The Zonar permits differentiation of large and small acoustic backscatterers in larger volumes than can be sampled optically. Other sensors include a pumped conductivity, temperature, and depth unit and chlorophyll a fluorometer. Zooglider enables fully autonomous in situ measurements of mesozooplankton distributions, together with the three-dimensional orientation of organisms and marine snow in relation to other biotic and physical properties of the ocean water column. It is well suited to resolve thin layers and microscale ocean patchiness. Battery capacity supports 50 d of operations. Zooglider includes two-way communications via Iridium, permitting near-real–time transmission of data from each dive profile, as well as interactive instrument control from remote locations for adaptive sampling.