Image of the IFCB being set up by Thomas Farrugia in the lab space of the USCGC Healy.
The Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) supports two Imaging FlowCytobots (IFCBs) in collaboration with the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Network to help monitor for harmful algal blooms in Alaska’s coastal waters. These high-tech, automated microscopes collect water samples and capture real-time images of individual phytoplankton. Scientists use this data to detect harmful species like Alexandrium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis—organisms that can threaten marine life, human health, and subsistence resources.
The data collected by the IFCBs supports cutting-edge research and helps provide early warnings to communities about potential HAB events.
This summer, our IFCBs will be deployed on research vessels across Alaska—and they need names! We’re inviting the public to join in by submitting name suggestions. You can enter as many times as you like. If your idea is selected, we’ll give you credit on our website—just be sure to include your name and location!
Want to learn more about how IFCBs work? Click here to dive in.