Standard Operating Procedures, Phytoplankton Monitoring Program

Great Bay Coast Watch volunteers monitor five sites in coastal New Hampshire to determine if the four toxic or potentially toxic phytoplankton species (i.e., "Alexandrium tamarense," "Dinophysis" spp., "Prorocentrum lima," and "Pseudonitzschia" spp.) are present and in what quantities. Monitoring is conducted weekly March through October at high slack tide. This manual contains instructions for: measuring water and air temperature, water transparency, salinity and dissolved oxygen; collecting and analyzing the phytoplankton; and maintaining testing equipment. There are also sample data sheets, salinity tables and phytoplankton identification color key sheets. Grant No. NA16RG1035 Grant No. NA03N054190091