Epilithic algae field handling and shipment back to lab

[bbsinfo]

Hey all, I am going to sample epilithic algae in another state rather than where my lab locates. My advisor use to ship back the rock where the epilithic algae grew on.
Anyone have experience dealing with epilithic algae? Besides shiping the rock back, any other methods? Is using razor blade to get the algae off the rock a good idea before shipping?

I want to be able to both extract the DNA out of the algae and culture the population in flasks after I get back to lab.

i guess I need at least one person at the lab to take care of my shipping.
Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

[canalon]

To keep your algae alive, I would not try to get them of the rock. Ship the rock in water in a bag with some ice packs, by express courier, and have someone who knows how to handle the sample ready to take care of them at your lab, with all equipment ready (aquarium at the right temperature etc..)