Pam, UR - Taming the source of errors.

In the quest for repeatable scientific data, and the complexity of field work, I've learned the there is a 'happy place' called 'source of errors'. Yes, the best of efforts in the field are sometimes a best case scenario.

Our little piece of diatom heaven. 

With that in mind, when sampling for diatoms from a moving boat I've decided to go with testing within a given 'distance' as opposed to length of time factor. The areas to be tested are not comparable sizes. Also, there is the boat speed variable. If specific distance is in the method, it can be repeated easily and speed will not be a factor.

For my scientific question I would pose: Will there be any variation in the diatoms seen in a brackish environment as opposed to a more saline environment within a given area range?

Among my materials will be the plankton net in a cone shape with a cup at the end to hold the sample water. Also included will be the length of rope attached to the cone, boat, and necessary lab equipment to analyze the sample water.

I had thought it would be an absolute to find diatoms, but possibly not so. If not, I will analyze any zooplankton or phytoplankton I find.