CPR Guide

• The CPR is towed between 5 and 10 metres depth from a suitable ship (this could be a research vessel or a merchant ship capable of at least 8 knots).
• The CPR can only be towed in open waters.  As a guide - outside harbours, clear of shallow waters.
• Minimum length of tow is 30nm (this would give one or two 10nm samples).  Recommend a tow of at least 70 nm.
• Sample volume for a standard 10nm sample is approximately 3 cubic metres.
• Maximum length of a single tow on one filter cassette is 500nm.  A series of filter cassettes can cover a larger distance (e.g. CPR Survey Pacific tows 3,500 nm)
• Minimum ship speed 8 knots.
• Maximum ship speed 25 knots.
• The CPR is particularly suitable for sampling mesozooplankton but also collects the larger robust phytoplankton on a band of silk mesh (~270 microns).
• Other species can be collected.
• The CPR is approximately 1m x 0.3m and weighs 85kg.
• The CPR opening aperture is square, each side 12.7mm.
• Other instruments such as temperature sensors can be fitted to a CPR.

• A one off tow would be best organised and managed by the CPR Survey (see following questions).

• Regular tows can be managed by the CPR Survey (see notes below).
• Alternatively, training and/equipment can be provided to a "sister survey".

Please establish the following before contacting us:-

• The exact tow route/area.
• If there is a ship that can tow in this area. This could be a research vessel or merchant ship. In the first instance, you probably will be able to identify a suitable ship plying the desired route, without contacting the shipping company direct. We have an experienced Ships Liaison Officer skilled in the art of negotiating CPR tows with ships' crews and their companies, who can provide this service. 
• The tow frequency desired. Does the ship schedule allow for this?
• Political considerations - towing in sensitive areas, local laws, import and export of equipment, customs etc.
• How soon would you like the tows to start? This would be dependent on availability of ships, equipment, staff etc.

Before deciding to run your own CPR you should gather the information needed above (Do you want to manage the tow?).

In addition you will need the following:-

• Workshop and equipment to maintain and set up CPRs
• Towing equipment - davits, wires, CPRs, internals and silks
• Laboratory facilities (assuming standard facilities already in place)
• Suitable fume hoods
• CPR microscope(s)
• Dissection microscope(s)
• Preservation chemicals
• Reference books and procedures manuals
• Equipment to meet health and safety requirements of your country
• Curation storage facilities for samples
• IT equipment (hardware and software to process tow and plankton information)
• Trained staff (Operations, Logistics, Workshop Technicians, Instrument Technicians, Plankton Analysts, IT Staff, Researchers and Administrators)
• Funding to pay for set up costs
• Funding to cover ongoing costs

We hope the answers to these questions have been helpful in identifying your needs. 

Please contact us if you would like us to provide a quotation for any of the services below.

• One off tows - with or without analysis
• Regular tows - with or without analysis
• IMarEST accredited workshop training, including logistics and the shipping of samples
• Analysis training
• Support tasks and sample processing training
• Sample analysis
• Purchase of CPRs, internals or associated equipment.
• Help with setting up an analysis laboratory
• Purchase of prepared silk
• Ongoing support
• Consultancy services