• Operated by the Marine Biological Association,
    the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey
    is one of the world's longest running
    and most geographically extensive
    marine ecological surveys
    Guinness World Records
  • Towing since 1931 and over 9 decades of analysis
    100’s of scientists around the world are using CPR data
    The CPR Survey has now towed over 7 million nautical miles
    We collect plankton coupled with ocean physical, chemical and biological observations
    Our data are freely available and collaborations encouraged
  • video
    OPERATIONS / TAXONOMY / INSTRUMENTATION / DATA ANALYSIS / POLICY MAKERS / SCIENTISTS
    The future of the CPR Survey
    The iCPR project: Integrating artificial intelligence throughout all CPR activities

Welcome to the CPR Survey

The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey is the most geographically extensive marine monitoring programme in the world. Started in 1931. Today the Survey is operated by the Marine Biological Association, based in Plymouth, UK.

659

Taxa Routinely Analysed

3633407

Taxonomic Abundance Entries

282552

Total Samples Analysed

7284725

Total Nautical Miles Towed

Key Services

Marine biological datasets provide a wide range of environmental and climatic indicators to address marine environmental management issues such as Harmful Algal Blooms, pollution, climate change and fisheries

Research

At the base of the marine foodweb, the free floating plant life of the sea (phytoplankton) provide food for the animal plankton (zooplankton) which in turn provide food for many other marine organisms

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Policy Makers

Policy drivers continue to influence research at the CPR Survey and an important aim of the organisation is to use CPR data and the expertise of Survey scientists to deliver evidence-based advice to policy makers and ecosystem managers

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Data

The CPR Survey is unique in having comparable data on the geographical distribution, seasonal cycles and year-to-year changes in abundance of plankton over a large spatial area

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Recent News

FIND OUT WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO AND WHAT IS COMING UP

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Vacancy: Marine Workshop Technician (Mechanical)

14 Oct 2024 | 30

Working as part of the team to ensure that the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey fleet and associated equipment is maintained in a safe and serviceable condition ready for deployment at sea to suppo...

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Advancing plankton research through new laboratory facilities

03 Oct 2024 | 27

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is delighted to announce the opening of new laboratories which will further enhance vital planktonic research. The Plankton Taxonomy Laboratory is the new home of ...

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Plymouth scientists play key role in global Plankton Manifesto

24 Sep 2024 | 25

David Johns, Head of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey operated by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has played an integral role in driving the development of the first ever global Plankto...

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Staff Spotlight: David Johns

04 Sep 2024 | 22

David Johns is the Director of Research Facilities at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and has an external role as Chair of the Northeast Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control Scheme....