As primary producers, phytoplankton form the base of the aquatic food web and have far-reaching influence over such factors as dissolved oxygen and light penetration in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the role they play and the factors that influence them is a critical step in learning to manage our environment for sustainable healthy ecosystems. Similarly, maintaining water quality is recognized as an important element in management of coastal zones, but in order to properly address the impact of human activity we must understand how various human-induced and natural factors influence water quality. And, we must have a solid understanding of how water quality influences the integrity and health of the ecosystem. The phytoplankton Lab at SERC conducts long-term measurements and experimental research to help understand these complex issues and provide sound scientific evidence for managers making important environmental decisions. >>> read more about the lab's scientific goals

Dr. Charles Gallegos Senior Scientist Smithsonian Environmental Research Center PO Box 28 Edgewater, Maryland 21037 Phone: 443-482-2240 Fax: 443-482-2380 Email: gallegosc@si.edu Curriculum Vitae

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Hydrologic Optics Primer Have you ever wondered why water is blue (or not blue in many cases)? Or how you can see underwater in some places like pools, but not in a lake, creek, pond or the ocean? It's all a result of hydrologic optics. click here to learn more >>	Data From the Dock Data from the Rhode River is being displayed graphically and made available for download through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. DNR and SERC will be working together to provide quality assured and quality controlled data through Eyes on the Bay.
Water Quality of Chesapeake Bay Water quality is determined by the water's physical, chemical, and biological properties, which can have a profound impact on the overall health, or ecological state, of the water. click here to learn more >>	Intern Projects Students in our lab study various aspects of phytoplankton ecology and how it is affected by light, nutrients and other physical parameters. Each student completes a project and presents it in a seminar before the SERC staff. Click here to read about their projects.