Public
Edited
Dec 11
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<h1>Tracking Phytoplankton</h1>
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Jesse Cox, Chloe McGlynn, Jaekwang Shin, Gina Geiselman<br>
UC Berkeley School of Information - Fall 2024
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<h2>About Plankton</h2>
<h3>Marine Keystone</h3>
<p><strong>Phytoplankton are microscopic marine organisms that play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems.</strong>Often referred to as the "grass of the sea," these primary producers form the foundation of the marine food web. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton generate approximately 50% of the Earth's oxygen, making them vital to both oceanic and atmospheric health. They also serve as a critical food source for various marine organisms, including zooplankton, small fish, and larger predators such as whales.</p>
<h3>Fish Food</h3>
<p><strong>Phytoplankton are a cornerstone of the fishing industry, as their abundance directly impacts fish populations.</strong> As the primary food source for zooplankton, which are consumed by fish, fluctuations in phytoplankton populations or species composition can cascade through the food web. A decline in phytoplankton abundance can lead to reduced fish stocks, threatening commercial fisheries and global food security. Conversely, harmful algal blooms can result in fish kills, habitat degradation, and economic losses for coastal communities reliant on fishing.</p>
<h3>Environmental Indicator</h3>
<p><strong>The population dynamics of phytoplankton are influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature, nutrient availability, light conditions, and ocean currents</strong>. These dynamics make phytoplankton a key indicator of ecological health. Monitoring their populations provides insights into the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification, and water quality issues. However, not all phytoplankton activity is beneficial. Certain species can cause harmful algal blooms which disrupt ecosystems by producing toxins, depleting oxygen levels, and contaminating seafood, posing risks to human health and marine life.</p>
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<h2>Goals</h2>
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<p><strong>Whether you are a biologist/environmental scientist, a commercial fishing professional, or just a curious person interested in marine conservation, this tool aims to:</strong></p>
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<li>Provide insight on changes in phytoplankton species' populations across sampling sites and years, specifically around the southeastern coast of the United States.</li>
<li>Highlight cases of abundant phytoplankton species, their sampling site, and time of year.</li>
<li>Demonstrate incidences of toxic algal blooms, and their relationship to location, time of year, and sea temperature.</li>
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<h2>NOAA Data</h2>
<p><strong>The data used in this project originates from NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN).</strong> This program aims to collect and analyze phytoplankton samples across the United States to improve understanding of phytoplankton ecology and their broader environmental impacts.</p>
<p>Samples were collected over a 17-year period (2001–2017), with the majority of data concentrated between 2001 and 2013. The dataset consists of over 400,000 individual samples and includes 19 variables, all publicly accessible via NOAA's Environmental Research Division's Data Access Program (ERDDAP).</p>
<h3><strong>Key Variables in the Dataset:</strong></h3>
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<li>Latitude/Longitude: Geographic coordinates of sampling sites.</li>
<li>Sample Site: Specific location where samples were collected.</li>
<li>Date Collected: Date of sample collection.</li>
<li>Species Name: Taxonomic identification of phytoplankton species.</li>
<li>Abundance Level: Quantified population of phytoplankton in each sample.</li>
<li>Environmental Factors: Conditions during sampling, such as water temperature or salinity.</li>
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