Development of Phyto-Finder’s Database Web Application

The FFHS Phyto-Finders collect phytoplankton off the coast of North Carolina as part of the NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. In the past, we submitted paper forms to NOAA, which were electronically archived. Unfortunately, that database crashed and all our historical data were lost. This prompted us to create our own database, both to take control of storage and to enhance our search and analysis capabilities. This paper describes the design process, the initial construction and use, and planned future developments of this database.