Phytoplankton

PhytoplanktonMonitoring NetworkProgram Introduction

Promoting a better understanding of Harmful Algal Blooms by way of volunteer monitoring.http://www.chbr.noaa.gov/pmn/

NOAA Marine Biotoxins ProgramDr. Steve Morton, Principal Investigator

located at the Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research lab in Charleston, SCPart of NOAAs Marine Biotoxins ProgramPhytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN)

Marine Biotoxins Program: targets research and services at issues related to algal toxins and the organisms responsible for their productionCredit: NOAAMarine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to Join

Credit: Gary Freitag and Barbara Morgan

Informing the public about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and local phytoplankton communities through research-based monitoring.PMN Mission ~Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Marine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to JoinPMN Expansion Timeline2005+ North Carolina2006 2007+ Virginia, Alaska, Mississippi, Maryland, Rhode Island20082004+ Georgia2003Southeast Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (SEPMN)+ Washington, New York, Connecticut20092001South Carolina Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (SCPMN)+ South Carolina+ Florida, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii+ Massachusetts, Texas, AlabamaPhytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN)2010+ Minnesota, Wisconsin, St. Johns River BasinMarine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to Join

Submit data to PMN via secure on-line entry toolVolunteer ResponsibilitiesMarine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to Join Attend a PMN Training Choose a convenient sampling site Sample weekly or biweekly Perform preliminary phytoplankton identification Preserve species or unknowns in high abundance Ship samples to PMN offices

Volunteer Equipment

Salt Refractometer Plankton net Thermometer 5 gridded slides Cover slips 8oz Sea Gear bottles (2) 1L sample bottles 4oz sample bottles Lugols solution for preservation

*Region specific volunteer manual

*The PMN Manual has data sheets, phytoplankton ID sheets, and HAB information specific to your local coastal waters.Photo credit: Elizabeth ZeraiVolunteers are loaned all sampling equipment except light microscopes for monitoring!Marine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to JoinImportance of Phytoplankton Monitoring Monitoring Developing a long-term data collection Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring and awareness Linking scientists and volunteers to monitor harmful algae

Research Culturing of potentially toxic species Identification of new and unique phytoplankton speciesEducation Education through hands-on field and lab science Exposure to important federally-funded research Americas eyes on the coast

Marine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to JoinContact your regional coordinator with questions!How do I join NOAA PMN?Atlantic Region

Matt Brimmatt.brim@noaa.gov843-762-8656Gulf Of Mexico, Pacific, and Great Lakes Regions

Jeff Paternosterjeff.paternoster@noaa.gov843-762-8657http://chbr.noaa.gov/pmn/form_newsitenewvol.aspxSignup at the NOAA PMN Website!

Marine Biotoxins ProgramPMN MissionPMN ProgressVolunteer ResponsibilitiesVolunteer EquipmentMonitoring ImportanceHow to Join