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).

Young oyster shells are attached to the surface of a floating deck made of styrofoam and began developing colonies, which contain nooks and crannies.
This magnified dynamic image looks like an expanse of glacier ice and glacial erosion.
This floating deck may have been used at oyster cultivation farms in Japan.

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

Black current (Kuroshio) carries marine debris originated in the east coast of Asian countries to the coasts of the Pacific Northwest.
Aerial photo image of Colombia River estuary region.

Partition line of each compartments are protective outer covering of Polyzoa. Median size of each compartment is 0.3mm x 0.8mm.
Photo taken with a polarization filter set to deliver clear image.

Bushy colony of Hydrozoa growing on the surface of plastic marine debris.

34 Goose Barnacles, Lepas anatifera found in a PET bottle cap at the beach of Ocean shores on Feb. 18, 2016.

Lepas anatifera, commonly known as the pelagic gooseneck barnacle or smooth gooseneck barnacle (although they resemble bivalve molluscs, barnacles are actually filter-feeding crustaceans, related to crabs, shrimp, and lobster: Ref. Fishery Bulletin, NOAA) attached to a drifting plastic marine debris.


Samples were collected from the beach of Ocean Shores on Feb. 18, 2016.