During the 2009 cruise in the Lena delta a first comprehensive set of phytoplankton samples was collected from several areas of the Lena Delta. The aim was to establish a first checklist of phytoplankton and microzooplankton species in the Delta for form the basis for future assessments and to aid in the selection of sites to be used as fixed annual monitoring sites in future.

Samples were taken by bucket or Niskin bottle. All samples were fixed in weak, neutral Lugol iodine solution (< 1% final concentration). Samples were settled out in standard Utermöhl settlement chambers (Hydrobios). All samples were analyzed using a Zeiss Axiovert 135 inverted microscope.