Comparison of the Sameoto, Manta, and MARMAP neustonic ichthyoplankton samplers in the Gulf of Alaska

A comparison of three types of neuston-sampling gear, the Sameoto, the Manta, and the Marine Resources Monitoring, Assessment, and Prediction Program (MARMAP) array was conducted to examine and understand the effectiveness of each sampler in collecting larval fishes in the Gulf of Alaska. Comparison criteria included: number of individuals collected, assemblage diversity, and lengths of larvae. The MARMAP array had lower overall abundance compared to the Sameoto and Manta arrays. Species diversity was comparable among the gears, though the MARMAP array had a slightly higher and more evenly distributed range of taxa compared to the Sameoto and Manta arrays. Larval lengths were statistically comparable among gears, though the MARMAP array had relatively fewer large larvae compared to the Sameoto and Manta arrays. Based on these results, choice of gears should be considered depending on whether the primary objective is to obtain estimates of abundance or estimates of diversity.