The Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) Program—founded in 2006 as a component of the U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Program—works to further our understanding of how the oceans shape the global carbon cycle and how marine ecosystems respond to a changing planet.
One of OCB’s tasks is convening working groups tackling emerging research challenges. In 2023, OCB launched the Operational Phytoplankton Observations (OPO) Working Group to advance standards and best practices for phytoplankton measurements using particle imaging instruments (PII).
Just in time for the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting, the OPO Working Group has released its final report—a comprehensive, platform agnostic guide designed for users at all experience levels. The report is organized into seven essential sections, covering everything from instrument fundamentals and operational workflows to raw data handling, product generation, uncertainty analysis, and data reporting and sharing. After an extensive community review, the report is now awaiting endorsement from the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).
The report highlights eight of today’s leading imaging instruments:
- Imaging Flow Cytometers: FlowCam, CytoSense, Imaging FlowCytobot, Planktoscope, Cytek Amnis Image Stream Mk II
- Open Path Instruments: Underwater Vision Profiler, Video Plankton Recorder, LISST-Holo2
Here at Sequoia we are happy to see the Working Group noting this about the typical applications and strengths of the LISST-Holo2: “The relatively high-resolution images, high volume sampling rate, high maximum particle velocity, and high depth rating make the LISST-Holo2 particularly well suited to in situ vertical profiling or deployment in a towed configuration. In these deployment modes, phytoplankton (>20 μm) can be classified and enumerated with high spatial resolution. As with other open path instruments, the design allows for imaging of undisturbed particles free from sampling artifacts.” (p. 26)
This underscores the ability of inline digital holography systems, such as the LISST-Holo2, to deliver imaging data relevant for researchers working to better understand phytoplankton dynamics and ocean carbon processes.
More details on the OCB program.
More details on the OPO working group.
More details on Sequoia’s LISST-Holo2.
Contact Sequoia for a LISST-Holo2 quote!