Measuring spectral bioluminescence in zooplankton for in situ taxa recognition

Bioluminescence is a common trait in the ocean and has evolved separately, numerous times. Outside the coast of California, research suggests at least 76% of all species present in the water column were bioluminescent. The organisms activate their bioluminescent flashes either to scare away predators, avoid predators, attract prey or communicate with each other. Zooplankton, a low trophic group of organisms important for the marine environment, contain several bioluminescent species. Earlier studies claim that this trait could be used as a tool for taxa recognition, gaining insight in what species are present in an area, as well as their abundance. This study therefore aims to measure the spectral composition of bioluminescence in zooplankton, developing a fingerprint database with species specific signals. Zooplankton has been collected in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas (Svalbard and Trøndelag) and the spectral composition was measured using a QEPro device and an optic fiber. The bioluminescence was triggered though mechanical, chemical or light stimuli. As some intraspecific variation may occur; organisms were collected at different locations during different seasons (winter, spring and autumn). The preliminary results have showed a clear variation in the spectral bioluminescence between phyla and some lower taxa. This indicates that a sensor could be lowered into the sea to record in situ bioluminescent signals, allowing for taxa recognition.