Stephanie Guyotte, UR- Let the Dinoflagellate hunt begin

My methods are simple in theory but things are always easier said than done. I plan on sampling as far down on the eastern coast as i can, exact locations are still to be determined. The locations I will be choosing are going to have mangroves, algae and other vegetation present and coral offshore would be most favorable as this is the best habitat in which to find Gambierdiscus.

Example of ideal testing location (redwood mangroves)

To collect my specimen a bit on luck would have some algae floating by that I could just scoop up in a 50-100mL glass collection jar, but more likely a little light scraping of algae that is growing on a mangrove or other vegetation will do. At site location if possible; I would like to take salinity, pH, temp, and DO readings (all information will be recorded in my Rite in the Rain All-Weather Environmental Field Book No 55oF). After collecting the specimens, samples should be stored in a cool container but for no more than 24 hours to prevent decay. To view the specimens within the samples a wet mount, whole mount (w.m.) slide must be prepared (slide preparation methods found in Exploring Biology in the Laboratory). A slowing solution such as methyl cellulose may need to be added to slide if specimens are too lively, but no dye or stain is needed. Some trial and error will take place in the best way to prepare the solution on the slide.

Compound Microscope

Some methods call for putting the algae through a fine mess first then prepare slide, while other methods just prepare with algae and all. To view the slides a compound microscope with up to 100x objective will do just fine. Here is where things will get really fun; identification! In order to identify Gambierdiscus I will use a combination of an ebook from the Daytona State Library Identifying Marine Diatoms and Dinoflagellates, and other pictures. These sources of information will allow me to find distinct characteristics like plate structure and other morphological features that are used in indentation of Gambierdiscus.

 My scientific question is simply just to see if Gambierdiscus is present in our waters which it should not be, this is why I also want to try and get samples from further down south where the water is warmer and odds are greater to find Gambierdiscus.