Phytoplankton biodiversity data from Western English Channel Cruises with R/V Endeavour in 2017

To carry out an integrated monitoring survey of the Celtic Sea, south-western approaches and the western Channel using a random stratified survey design for the purposes of providing fish stock assessment data and the collection of associated ecosystem information. Biomass and diversity of phytoplankton communities were determined using FerryBox and on line flow cytometer at 4 meters. A new R-shiny application (https://openscience.cefas.co.uk/phytoops_tool/) displays biological, physical and biogeochemical parameters in different UK marine coastal areas in 2016 and 2017. To continuously log sub-surface (4m) salinity, temperature, fluorometry and other environmental data using the ‘Ferrybox’. Additionally, a Flow-cytometer (phytoplankton) and Plankton Image Analyser (PIA) (zooplankton) may be run in conjunction with the Ferrybox. Flow cytometry analyses were performed every hour from the same inlet water as the FerryBox during the survey. Discrete samples were taken using CTD rosette at 4 metres to calibrate the chlorophyll fluorescence. The analysis of the phytoplankton functional types were done manually (according to the knowledge of the operator), and the discrete samples were analysed by HPLC (DHI, Denmark). All data from the FerryBox (fluorimetry, turbidity, salinity, temperature, oxygen) as well as HPLC and flow cytometry followed specific quality controled procedures before being availble.