The Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) is a robotic microscope that continuously captures high‑resolution  images of suspended particles in the <10–150 μm size range. It operates autonomously at a sampling rate of 15 mL per hour, enabling scientists to monitor phytoplankton and microzooplankton community composition with exceptional temporal resolution. Automated image‑classification tools can identify imaged organisms–often to the genus level–with accuracy comparable to expert taxonomists. IFCBs can be deployed on ocean moorings, used onboard research vessels for underway sampling, or used in laboratory settings for experimental work and sample processing. Together, these approaches sustain year‑round plankton monitoring across the region and support research efforts.

IFCBs are a key tool for monitoring the base of marine foodwebs in the Pacific Northwest. Data generated by the IFCB are used for assessing biodiversity, tracking harmful algal blooms (HABs), and developing indicators of fisheries productivity. More information about these data applications, the ongoing regional monitoring and research using IFCBs, and the people leading this work can be found in the Data Applications below. To learn about HABs and their impacts on local communities and fisheries resources, please visit the NANOOS HABs page.

IFCB Dashboards are interactive, web‑based portals that provide open access to image datasets generated by IFCBs. Users, scientists, educators, and the public can easily visualize when and where sampling occurred, explore images, and access associated metadata.

Before downloading IFCB data for research or management purposes, please contact the associated primary investigator or use our Contact page to obtain permission.