Pam, UR - Micro flora and fauna of brackish and saltwater marsh

Life on earth is supported by tiny plants and animals in the water column you'll never see. These microscopic organisms are the primary producers and foundation of the aquatic food web along with oxygenation of the water.

The organisms to be tested for will be more than 80 um size, with anticipation of collecting phytoplankton and zooplankton. The sample areas are the Tomoka River basin and northern Indian River Lagoon.

My scientific question: What is the diversity between brackish and saline marsh micro organisms in the water column?

Materials Used:
- 80 um Plankton net
- rope used to attach net to boat, length yet to be determined
- microscope, type yet to be determined

Method:
-  take samples as described below from brackish water Tomoka River basin and Indian River Lagoon estuary
- from boat determine start point, lat/long waypoint, take water sample for salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and any other factors available
- drag plankton net along top of water column for specified distance
- at end point take lat/long waypoint, water sample as above
- bring plankton net to boat and elevate so sample drains to lower end of cup.
- empty cup into collection receptacle
- put on ice, store in refrigerator until available lab time