TEMPO (Trends in Euphausiids off Mawson, Predators, and Oceanography) Phytoplankton Distribution and Abundance

This dataset describes phytoplankton distribution and abundance and abundance during the TEMPO Voyage (Trends in Euphausiids off Mawson, Predators, and Oceanography), conducted on RV Investigator from February to March 2021 (IN2021_V01, CSIRO Marine National Facility). The primary goal of TEMPO was to collect data to estimate krill biomass with a view to updating the precautionary catch limit within CCAMLR’s Division 58.4.2-East. It also aimed to increase our understanding of krill habitat to ensure sustainable management, with part focus on phytoplankton populations given they are the main food source for krill. Six north-south transects were conducted from west to east (55-80°E) with each extending from 62 or 63°S to the sea-ice edge. Some transects coincided with the eastern transects of a previous voyage undertaken in 2006 (BROKE-WEST, Nicol, Raymond and Meiners 2010), providing a valuable comparison.