The zooplankton net is similar to the phytoplankton net, however it consists of a coarser mesh. We use a mesh size of 250 microns (1/4mm); common mesh sizes range from 150-500mm. It is used to collect small animals known collectively as zooplankton. These include daphnia, copepods, and other small organisms. The net is lowered slowly to the desired depth, and then is pulled up quickly, collecting the animals in the attached sample container as it rises towards the surface.

Pictured above is Russell Cuhel preparing the net to be lowered, and then retrieving the net after it has been pulled out of the water. The net is sprayed from the outside with lake water to loosen any animals stuck to the inside of the net, and the sample container is then emptied into a sample jar. Pictured at bottom above is a short movie clip, showing the small animals swimming around in the jar.