Phytoplankton Monitoring

Duties and responsibilities: Monitor one site each month. Collect samples from land-based sites using techniques described in protocols. Return to NEP office to conduct a sample analysis using a microscope. Clean all equipment so that it is ready for its next use. Place sample in jar with preservative and drop in the mail box for delivery to the Department of Health Services.

Qualifications: Be able to collect samples using techniques described in protocols. Be able to walk to sites. Be able to use microscope to identify basic types of phytoplankton. Complete data sheets thoroughly and legibly.

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. Periodic update training meetings required.

Time required: Sample collection requires approximately 30 to 60 minutes (including driving time). Time to analyze the sample under the microscope requires approximately one hour (this is highly variable depending on the amount of phytoplankton in the sample). Sites located in Morro Bay and Cayucos.

Commitment required: Upon completion of training, we ask for a minimum six-month commitment. At the end of that time period, you can assess whether you would like to continue with the program. This commitment is important for phytoplankton identification because it takes time to develop consistency in your identification skills.

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