Final answer:
The new species of algae floating on the surface of a coastal zone would likely be considered a type of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are bacteria and algae that use sunlight to make food and are the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They are part of the plankton group, which also includes zooplankton.
Step-by-step explanation:
The new species of algae floating on the surface of a coastal zone would likely be considered a type of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are bacteria and algae that use sunlight to make food and are the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They are part of the plankton group, which also includes zooplankton.