A is for Algae

11.30.2011 | Heal the Bay

Heal the Bay AquariumSanta Monica

Twice a week, Seth Lawrence, aquarist at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, collects a sample of seawater and peers through a microscope to see what he catches. Seth’s observations are passed on to the Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE-West).
The Aquarium is a partner with COSEE in monitoring plankton for evidence of harmful algal blooms, known as the community HAB watch program. We hope to have visitors join us for our plankton collections on the weekends, giving them the ability to be citizen scientists.
Watch this video of Seth demonstrating a plankton tow. We hope you enjoy- and are inspired to participate.