Volunteer Training- Phytoplankton Monitoring

Volunteers are Needed to:

• Collect phytoplankton samples twice monthly from a local dock or pier using provided equipment.
• Record environmental observations at the time of sampling.
• Examine samples for the presence of 12 target harmful algal bloom species.
• Report findings to the national database.

The National Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) is a community-based network of volunteers that monitor marine phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms (HABs). The PMN enhances the Nation’s ability to respond to and manage the growing threat posed by HABs by collecting important data on species composition and distribution in coastal waters and creating working relationships between volunteers and professional marine biotoxin researchers.

During this training we will discuss phytoplankton ecology, harmful algal blooms, keys to species identification, microscope techniques, and field sampling methods. Volunteers may suggest sites that would be of interest to them to sample.

View the pdf flyer