Week 1: Algae Biology. This week we will cover macro and microalgae families, microalgae nutritional composition, step-up and backup cultures, and growth curves.

Week 2: Algae Chemistry. This week we will cover the Redfield ratio, F/2 formula, Fertilization, Aeration/CO2 injection, and Lighting (when, where, how)

Week 3: Algae Culture. This week we will cover Macro and microalgae starter cultures. This includes: Sterile technique, Media preparation, and Inoculation

Week 4: Culture Maintenance. This segment covers: Step-up cultures, Algae harvesting, Contamination, and Density monitoring.

Week 5: Zooplankton introduction. This week we will cover Rotifer Biology, Rotifer culture equipment, Rotifer Biochemistry, Feeding and enriching rotifers, as well as Lighting.

Week 6: Rotifer maintenance, Copepods, and Barnacles. The last week of the course will cover: Rotifer culture restarting, Copepod culture, Barnacle collecting, cleaning and spawning, as well as Barnacle naupliar culture.

Required text: none (Articles and readings will be provided.)

Recommended text: Plankton Culture Manual – Florida Aqua Farms

Required Materials:

Phytoplankton Culture

• Air pump
• Airline (soft and rigid)
• 2L bottles
• 20oz bottles
• Bleach
• F/2 media
• Dechlorinator
• Culture disks
• Rubbing alcohol
• 2’ double fluorescent light

Rotifer/ Copepod Culture

• 20oz Bottle
• 5-Gallon buckets
• Rotifer screen
• Rotifer cysts
• Phycopure copepods
• Live Algae, or commercial preparation
• Air pump
• Light Source

Barnacle Culture

• Small point source of light
• Barnacles
• Live Algae, or commercial preparation
• 5-Gallon buckets