This image is reminiscent of a sharp biotech sword gleaming on a pitch-black night. However, this is a microscopic image of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens (Grunowez leve). The cell size is 8µm wide and 130-170µm in length.

While preparing to observe Prorocentrum sp (Dinophyceae), we accidentally knocked the microscope, resulting in one of the Prorocentrum (size: 20µm x 60µm) on the glass to seemingly dive into the immersion oil. This gave us a surprisingly dynamic image, as shown above.

This is ulva intestinalis (group of green algae) grown on plastic marine debris. Through this filtered image, we can see the microscopic tissue composition.


Colonization Mechanism of Living Organisms on Marine Debris

1st layer
Conditioned film = molecules of sea water and colloidal dispersion
2nd layer
Bio-film = bacteria, diatoms, common types of unicellular phytoplankton
3rd layer
Macro fouling = accumulation of micro-organisms, algae and diatoms, and plants and larval settlements on surfaces

Composition of bio-film (2nd layer) is a key factor of conditioned preference for colonization of macro fouling (3rd layer).
(ref. 2005 Japanese Industrial Standards Committee).

Helmet is covered with Goose Barnacles (lepas anatifera), but the composition is unlikely to be coincidental. (from our research photo library)

An amphipod (Hyperia macrocephala), a group of macroplanktons find a home in a small light bulb (6 cm in diameter). However, only access go inside bulb is less than 1 mm hole for filament cable but egg of many planktonic species are microscopic in size of 2-20 µm.
This demonstrates a good example of why we can't simply remove all debris from the ocean or shore. Many debris have come to shelter marine life, so it is harmful to them if we simply dispose of the debris they are in.

(Light bulb found during marine debris research at Ocean Shores on July 17, 2014)

Through our arrival situation surveys, we have found Asian marine debris produced in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia. This gives us reason to believe that many of those trash came directly through the Kuroshio (Black Current).

Our marine debris monitoring site at Ocean Shores.
Center of research site is located at 0.5 mile south of the Elk Creek River (47.178592, -124.197853).