technology to capture images of individual cells which, together with machine-learning technology, enables near real-time reporting of individual phytoplankton species abundance and community composition. Continuous [...] of phytoplankton community structure, including the response to environmental forcing. In addition, near real-time data permits targeted sampling. Examples of targeted metatranscriptomics to assess community [...] Doppler Current Profiler and a CTD-probe, allowing continuous and automatic small-scale observations in near real-time of zooplankton species abundance and behavior (e.g. vertical migration and trophic interactions)