Phytoplankton Monitoring Network

Red Tide in the South Pacific Ocean

In August 2007, PMN was contacted to identify the organism causing a red tide in Pago Harbor, American Samoa. Dr. Don Vargo of the Samoa Community College sent preserved samples along with pictures of the bloom. The organism was identified as Ceratium furca with maximum abundance of 2,500 cells/ml. The bloom lasted over 3 ½ months. Since algal blooms of this density and duration are unusual for tropical locations, a consistent nutrient source was required for this bloom. A potential nutrient source was the newly constructed soccer field. A New Zealand company was spraying nutrients three times per week on this field which drains directly into Pago Harbor. For more information, contact Dr. Steve Morton.

3rd Annual Microscopy Workshop

The NOAA Marine Biotoxins Program in Charleston, SC is holding a one day workshop on light microscopy techniques and technologies on Friday, June 6, 2008. Topics include introduction to microscopy and physics of light, techniques to increase resolution, specimen preparation, technology advancements, microscope maintenance, and introduction to electron microscopy. Advanced topics in light microscopy include fluorescence, phase contrast, differential interference contrast, and confocal.

The workshop is taught by Dr. Steve Morton. Steve has 20 years of experience utilizing light and electron microscopy techniques and is the Program Director of NOAA's Volunteer Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. The workshop is limited to 35 participants. If you are interested in attending this workshop please contact Jeff Paternoster at 843-762-8657 or jeff.paternoster@noaa.gov by May 23, 2008.

Microscopy Workshop, Friday, June 6, 2008 9:30am - 4:30pm, Lunch Provided

Coastal America Ocean Art Contest

Deadline: May 30, 2008
Coastal America through their Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center (CELC) members are sponsoring a nationwide ocean art contest open to students in grades K-12 and college and university students. The purpose of the contest is to enhance public awareness of the importance of the ocean through visual expression and incorporating one of the principles of ocean literacy. The winning artwork will be displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in time for the opening of The Ocean Hall. To be part of this contest visit http://www.coastalamerica.gov/2008artcontest.html. The website is being updated with additional contact information, so please be patient. For more information, please refer to the CELC near you which can be found at: www.coastalamerica.gov. (excerpt taken from scuttlebutt email)

PMN highlighted in NCCOS Accomplishments Report

The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2006 highlights progress and achievements for fiscal year 2006. The report provides insight into how NCCOS's scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources. An article on the PMN expansion into Hawaii and the Virgin Islands can be found on page 16.

Schedule Trainings

Please check the PMN training calendar for available dates and email Allison or Jeff to reserve your day and time.