TREASURE COAST

Treasure Coast Water Watch Volunteer Algal Monitoring Program (VAMP)

FL Sea Grant is looking for volunteers in Martin and St. Lucie Counties to assist with monitoring cyanobacteria and algae (freshwater and marine) in the southern Indian River Lagoon, including the St. Lucie River. Citizen scientists will be trained in monthly to bimonthly water sampling and microscopic ID of common species. Training protocols will be based on the NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) program, a citizen science program that monitors algae and algae blooms along US coasts, including the Great Lakes.  Water samples will also be sent to UF scientists to look at species and genetic diversity of algae from freshwater to marine environments. Data will be used to inform scientists and managers on the presence and frequency of algae blooms in Treasure Coast waters, while engaging the community.

For more information, please contact Vincent Encomio, FL Sea Grant Extension Agent for Martin and St. Lucie Counties at vencomio@ufl.edu or (772) 419-6966. For more info on the NOAA PMN program please visit https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/research/stressor-impacts-mitigation/pmn/.