20th International Conference on Harmful Algae

20th International Conference on Harmful Algae

Holly, Olivia, and Hannah attended the 20th International Conference on Harmful Algae in Hiroshima, Japan, November 5-10, 2023! Holly presented the EPA project looking at HAB response to agricultural run-off (PI- Ross Clark; CCWG), Olivia presented a poster on her thesis project measuring phytoplankton response to agricultural plastics, and Hannah gave an ignite talk and presented a poster highlighting EBL’s monitoring station at the Monterey Wharf as part of CalHABMAP. We left the meeting with loads of information, fresh ideas, and new collaborations to explore!! Already looking forward to Chile in 2025!

 

Five-year NOAA cooperative agreement has been renewed!

EBL has been monitoring phytoplankton, with an emphasis on Harmful Algal Bloom species, at the Monterey Wharf for over a decade! These data feed into the larger HABMAP initiative that provides a weekly snapshot of HAB activity along the California coast. We are part of The Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System which has received a 5-year renewal from NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Office to continue this work and expand monitoring capabilities.

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-awards-41-million-for-ocean-observing

Meet Sophia Newton – EBL’s summer REU student!

Sophia Newton is so excited to be a virtual intern from York, Maine this summer. Usually, she spends her whole summer on the ocean teaching sailing – but this summer she’s switching it up! Sophia will be working with Dr. Bowers on a qPCR assay for a harmful algae species, Akashiwo sanguinea. In the Fall, Sophia will return to the University of Michigan as a junior to continue her studies in mechanical engineering. She is extremely interested in engineering and scientific applications in the unexplored regions of the ocean.

Workshop report: Envisioning the Future of eDNA Sampling and Sample Processing

Jason and Holly recently served on the scoping committee for a series of workshops (under the auspices of the Alliance for Coastal Technologies) aimed at discussing the early stages of sample collection for eDNA analysis. This is a rapidly growing area, and these discussions are important for understanding the challenges, consensus thoughts, and paths forward.

Click here for the workshop report!

Holly headlines MLML Alumnae Melinda Nakagawa’s Nature Journaling Class!

Who doesn’t love phytoplankton? Holly teamed up with past MLML student Melinda Nakagawa to lead nearly 40 people of all ages in a relaxing Sunday online Nature Journaling session. We had visitors from all over the world, including London and a gentleman Zooming in from his boat off of Cape Cod. The focus was on patterns, symmetry and swimming behavior as we cruised through a variety of mesmerizing videos and still shots. It was fun to introduce folks to what lurks beneath – to a world that supplies 50% of our oxygen!