As part of a larger coastal ecology project, we have initiated a web-accessible, digitized phytoplankton image and taxonomy database of algae collected in a coastal wetland south of New Orleans, Louisiana. Examining phytoplankton dynamics is a large component of the project, titled "Pulses—The Importance of Pulsed Physical Events for Watershed Sustainability in Coastal Louisiana," (a joint NSF/EPA/USDA Water and Watershed program). 168 species of algae from 76 genera in 8 phyla have been identified from the phytoplankton samples, and 130 high-resolution (300 dpi) digital images taken. These taxonomic identification data are included in a database with collection information (i.e., location, date). Ecological data (i.e., turbidity, salinity, and nutrients such as nitrate and nitrite, ammonium, phosphorous, and silica) will be added to the database. Having this information available on the web is an important resource for continued research in coastal Louisiana and perhaps other regions with similar ecosystems and hydrology. The database can also be a useful tool for teaching high school and college students. Microscopic phytoplankton are notoriously difficult to identify, and the images can be used in conjunction with keys to help students confirm their algal determinations. Students would also be able to see the main features of different groups of algae and learn some ecological aspects of the wetland habitat where they were collected. Please visit the web site at chapmanlab.lsu.edu/digitalalgae. This project was supported in part by a grant from the Office of Sea Grant Development at LSU.

Key words: coastal Louisiana, digital database, phytoplankton