The Scripps Pelagic Invertebrates Collection is among the world's preeminent collections of marine zooplankton. It includes over 118,000 whole zooplankton samples containing some 10⁸ specimens. In addition to worldwide geographic coverage, the Collection includes the remarkable CalCOFI zooplankton time series, which has surveyed the California Current since 1949. Zooplankton have been collected with nets, pumps, and specialized collecting devices, over depths ranging from the neustonic layer to the bathypelagic. While most samples are stored in formaldehyde, a growing number are available in ethanol, hence suitable for DNA sequencing. The collection houses the Fleminger Copepod Library, comprising ca. 21,500 sorted copepod specimens as well as reprints and monographs concerning the Copepoda. An additional 12,000 sorted, identified reference specimens are available for other zooplankton and micronekton taxa (e.g., Euphausiacea, Cephalopoda, Sergestidae, Pteropoda, etc.). Most samples are supplemented with physical and chemical data. The Collection includes worldwide holdings with particular strengths in the Pacific, Indo-West Pacific, and Antarctic regions.

Planktonic copepod.
Photo: SIO Collections

Collection data for all holdings are accessible on a searchable database. The Pelagic Invertebrates Collection supports scientific research by providing specimens for studies on systematics, evolution, molecular genetics, ecology, population dynamics, climate change and other topics. Specimens are available for examination at SIO and for loan to researchers at recognized institutions (loan policy). The Oceanographic Collections, including the Pelagic Invertebrates Collection, also support graduate courses and research at SIO.

Staff
Dr. Mark D. Ohman, Professor and Curator: mohman@ucsd.edu
Ms. Annie Townsend, Collections Manager: atownsend@ucsd.edu

Mailing address:
Pelagic Invertebrates Collection
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
University of California, San Diego 0227
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, U.S.A.
Phone: 858-534 2071; Fax: 858-534 6500

Campus Location:
Vaughan Hall, Rooms 135, 125 Click here for map