Algae Monitoring

Duties and responsibilities: Document algal growth by taking photos at set sites throughout the watershed. Estimate the percent cover of algae and canopy at each site.

Requirements: Use digital camera. Estimate percent cover of algae at each site. Use densiometer to estimate canopy cover. Be able to drive and walk to sites. Complete data sheets thoroughly and legibly, completing all required fields.

Training: Initial training will be from shadowing a trained volunteer in the field and/or training by VMP staff. Any follow-up questions can be answered by VMP staff.

Time required: Photos are taken monthly from April through November. Each site requires approximately 20 minutes. Sites are located throughout the Morro Bay watershed. If all sites cannot be photodocumented on the same day, they should be monitored as close together as possible (preferably consecutive days).

Commitment required: Upon completion of training, we ask for participation for a minimum of three months. At the end of that time, you can assess whether you would like to continue with the monitoring.

Back to Monitoring Efforts