This paper evaluates and tests the HUGIN 1000 HUS AUV as a carrier platform for the LaserOptical Plankton Counter (LOPC). The LOPC was mounted outside on top of the carrierplatform, and the tests confirm that this concept did not create turbulence and zooplanktonavoidance. A negligible velocity difference between the flow passing through the samplingtube and the AUV speed was detected. The abundance recorded by the LOPC onboardHUGIN 1000 HUS was within the same order of magnitude compared to the zooplanktonabundance from traditional net-based measurements. Our results showed zooplanktonabundance in the range of 70 to 180 individuals m-3, while other, traditional net-basedmeasurements have indicated 27 - 332 individuals m-3 from the same area and same depthlayer. Note that these numbers are minimum and maximum values observed from a vastnumber of samples. The mean is approximately 200 individuals m-3.The results provide new and unique high-resolution biological data of deep-water copepodcommunities. The application of AUVs in marine ecological research introduces advancedmethodology with potential to address new scientific questions in deep water habitats.
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