Excellence in Plankton Science: Sixth NMBAQC Zooplankton Ring Test
Excellence in Plankton Science: Sixth NMBAQC Zooplankton Ring Test
The sixth official zooplankton component exercise of the NMBAQC (Northeast Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control) scheme NMBAQC - NMBAQC has successfully wrapped up, continuing its tradition of scientific collaboration and skills benchmarking.
Hosted by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey at the Marine Biological Association (MBA), continuing a programme that has been running since 2015 and reinforcing our reputation as an international centre of taxonomic excellence.
Participants of the workshop.
Supporting Quality and Consistency in Zooplankton Science
Delivered on behalf of the Northeast Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme, the ring test plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the quality and consistency of zooplankton identification and enumeration across the marine science community. By providing an independent quality-control framework, the scheme helps ensure that plankton data used in long-term monitoring and research are robust, comparable, and scientifically reliable.
A Growing International Community
This latest edition attracted 16 participants from 12 laboratories around the word, including new laboratories from Canada and United Arab Emirates, highlighting the growing international reach of the scheme and the global importance of high-quality plankton taxonomy skills. Analysts were challenged with a combination of specimen identification, written taxonomic exercises, and realistic enumeration tasks using zooplankton samples designed to reflect the complexity of natural marine communities.
A visit to the NMBL library and rare / special book section.
Hands-On Training and Scientific Exchange in Plymouth
The workshop, held in Plymouth, brought participants together to review results, agree consensus scoring, and take part in specialist training sessions. The programme included expert-led lectures and practical’s on Hydrozoa identification, and emerging taxonomic challenges, alongside presentations from participating laboratories on their own research and monitoring activities. Results demonstrated consistently high standards of expertise across participating laboratories, while also creating opportunities to discuss difficult taxa and share best-practice approaches.
Hands on practical training with analyst Usha Jha
Building a Collaborative Taxonomic Network
One of the strengths of the NMBAQC zooplankton ring test is its collaborative and community-driven approach. Participants not only benchmark their own performance, but also contribute to wider discussions on standards, methodologies, and the future of marine taxonomic quality assurance. Feedback from this year’s workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing both the scientific challenge and the opportunity to network with fellow specialists from across Europe.
Practical training on plankton collection methods with Training Manager Martina Brunetta
As the scheme continues to evolve, we are keen to encourage even more laboratories and early-career analysts to take part in future editions. With increasing demand for accurate marine biodiversity data and growing interest in non-native species and ecosystem change, maintaining strong taxonomic expertise has never been more important.
The NMBAQC zooplankton ring test remains a unique opportunity for laboratories to assess and strengthen their capabilities while contributing to an international community dedicated to excellence in plankton science.