plant/animal reference) to get a bigger picture
Beach monitoring at Sunny Shores |
Sunny Shore shoreline |
BW teaming |
The BW met at 0830 by Sally G.'s garage. Our new BW coordinator, Sarah Martin, came to participate and learn more about bio-monitoring. Monem (Professor-Dr Mahmoud Abel Monem) brought his water quality assessment kit to demonstrate this process of water testing as part of this beach event. Our group of 11 worked their way down to the beach (see year 2007 for the terrain!) where we expected a low tide of -0.7 feet at about 1030am.
We located our starting (reference) point and sighted the landmark dock on the opposite shore of Port Susan, guided by Bill B. What did we find on the beach?
In the first 60 feet, which is a mix of sand, gravel and cobble, we found amphipods, barnacles, a few clams, crabs (Hemigrapsus), limpets, isopods, mussels and snails (Littorina and Nucella). Seaweeds were only of the green variety. The next 300 feet are sand with some silt mixed in. This area was pocketed with clam and ghost shrimp holes. Most holes had wisps of green weed and some were being occupied by beach crabs. We also noted eagles, crows, and gulls and King Fishers in the area.
Following the recording of data, Monem deomonstrated and performed the several water quality measurements that he is equipped for: salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, phosphates, nitrates, and fecal coliform.
Afterwards we gathered up the gear and adjourned to the deck at Skip's house for foods and talk; this day proved to be very interesting for all.
Thanks to Monem for his demo and to beach captain Skip I. for this report. Photos were taken by S. Martin and S. Ingraham. Collated by Judi McD.