As part of the CLIMEULAC project, part of the Pôle R&D ECLA, a call for contributions has been launched to collect data on zooplankton in French lakes and ponds. The goal is to better understand the combined effects of temperature and nutrients on lake biodiversity by reconstructing food webs based on four biological compartments: phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and fish.

Zooplankton, despite being a central component of aquatic food webs, is still poorly documented in regulatory monitoring programs (e.g. Water Framework Directive). This is why we are reaching out to ask for your help in sharing your existing datasets.

How to contribute?

You have two options:

Option 1 - Fill out a structured spreadsheet

• Files available in both French and English, with tabs for authors, water bodies, sampling stations, and abundance/taxonomy data
• A filled-in example is also provided to help you with formatting
• Download and fill in the green-colored tabs as a priority
• Send the completed file by email to tom.reveillon@inrae.fr and arnaud.sentis@inrae.fr

Link to the file containing the files here. This folder contains the ZOO_modele and ZOO_exemple files in French and in English.

Option 2 - Sent your raw data

• Preferably accompanied by a tab describing the structure and metadata;
• It recommend reviewing the standardized spreadsheet to ensure key information is included.
 

How will your data be used?

The data will feed into a national database on the structural and functional biodiversity of lakes, covering a broad environmental gradient. It will be used to:
• Reconstruct complex lake food webs;
• Analyze how communities respond to global change;
• Publish collaborative scientific papers.

What will contributors receive?

In return for your contribution, it offers:
• Priority access to the full taxonomic and functional database;
• The opportunity to be a co-author on scientific publications based on your data;
• Personalized feedback on your water body or bodies: comparison with national trends, ecological positioning, or other analyses.

Thank you for contributing to this collective effort. If you have any questions or need help with data formatting, please don’t hesitate to contact tom.reveillon@inrae.fr and arnaud.sentis@inrae.fr
Tom Réveillon, Christine Argillier, Martin Daufresne, Victor Frossard, Christophe Laplace-Treyture, Nathalie Reynaud, Serena Rasconi, Rosalie Bruel, and Arnaud Sentis