Over the course of 12 weeks phytoplankton samples taken from Kingsley Plantation via net tow were observed for a relative abundance of harmful algae which can in large numbers produce toxins that can kill fish and harm humans. Data were collected bi-weekly from Kingsley Plantation, along with the net tow for the phytoplankton sample other data were taken such as air temperature, water temperature, salinity, weather conditions, and wind. The net tow was done with a 10-micron net for three minutes, after the sample was taken the water level in the collection bottle was halved to ensure a high level of plankton in the sample. Once all the data was collected the sample was taken back and observed under a gridded slide to measure the relative abundance of the target phytoplankton species. Identified species were photographed for record and the data was compiled and then sent to NOAA for review. If harmful levels of certain species were found the sample was preserved and shipped to NOAA for further review. Once the data was confirmed it was entered into the phytoplankton monitoring network database. Over the course of the 12 weeks, no algae blooms or elevated levels were detected but some harmful
species were found and some samples were sent to NOAA for further review.
