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A National Ocean Service/National Center for Coastal Ocean Science Program

Phytoplankton Monitoring Network

Promoting a better understanding of harmful algal blooms by way of volunteer monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment

What equipment is needed to complete the volunteer responsibilities?
PMN will provide a training manual, identification keys, thermometer, refractometer, plankton net, sample bottles, Lugol's solution, and data sheets. Other learning materials and activities will also be provided as requested. Microscopes, slides, cover slips, and pipettes will need to be provided by the volunteer.

What type of care is needed for the provided equipment?
The equipment should be cleaned with freshwater after every use. The refractometer faceplate (where you put your sample) should be washed with freshwater and dried with a soft towel prior to being placed in its case. The plankton net should be rinsed inside and out with freshwater and hung up to dry. This ensures that no sediment or salt crystals will buildup and block the tiny holes in the mesh. Finally, after looking at samples, they can be preserved for future use or rinse them with freshwater to prevent contamination between samples. Remember that the equipment is your responsibility and will not be replaced if it is lost or ruined due to neglect.

What happens if the provided equipment breaks?
Normal wear on the equipment may cause small tears in the net or a metal clasp on the bridle of the net may come loose. If there are any problems with the equipment please notify PMN immediately so that it can be fixed or replaced. The equipment is your responsibility and will not be replaced if it is lost or ruined due to neglect.

Can the equipment be used at other sites?
Yes. PMN encourages the use of equipment to explore various conditions that exist in the marine environment. It is not necessary to record observations on a datasheet unless a bloom is observed.

Where can you buy PMN equipment?

  • Plankton Net
    Sea-Gear Corporation
    700-B1 South John Rhodes Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32904
    Phone: 321-728-9116; Fax: 321-722-0351
    Student Plankton Net: 20cm diameter. 3:1 #20 micron mesh, with cod end collar, hose clamp and 1 each 4 and 8 oz. cod end jar

  • Extra Bottles
    Fisher Science Education
    4500 Turnberry Drive, Hanover Park, IL 60133
    Phone: 1-800-955-1177; Fax: 1-800-955-0740
    Web Site: https://www1.fishersci.com/education/index.jsp
    Fisherbrand HDPE round bottles, 38mm screw cap, 4oz capacity

  • Salt Refractometer
    Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
    205 West Rankin Street, P.O. Box 8397, Jackson, MS 39284-8397
    Phone: 1-800-647-5368; Fax: 800-813-2704
    Web Site: http://www.forestry-suppliers.com

  • Thermometers
    Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
    205 West Rankin Street, P.O. Box 8397, Jackson, MS 39284-8397
    Phone: 1-800-647-5368; Fax: 800-813-2704
    Web Site: http://www.forestry-suppliers.com
    Armored Thermometers, (non-mercury filled), -30 to 50 degrees Celsius

  • Digital Microscope
    Great for taking pictures and videos of plankton. Need a computer to run the microscope; can project images onto LCD projector.
    Web Site: http://www.mic-d.com
    Olympus MIC-D (This item has been discontinued)