plant/animal reference) to get a bigger pictureTeam searching | Locating reference pt for line | Limpets, mussels, & barnacles |
What a contrast to our survey in 2008: bright sunshine, warm enough for shirts, and Mt. Baker visible in the distance with many boats anchored offshore! Thirteen Beach Watchers turned out at 8:00 AM to support our beach captain Pam C. lay out the line and 9 quadrats for our monitoring exercise. There was a -2.3 ft. tide expected at 9:41 AM. This year we found the beach in slightly better condition than before, although there are still very large pockets dug in the ground รข€“ clam digging - in the areas where we place our quadrat squares. Some of these are hidden by seaweed and become dangerous for walking.
Quadrat high on the Intertidal | Quadrat low on the Intertidal |
Most notable this year were the large number of giant Idotea spp. (referred to as seaweed isopods) found in colonies, large numbers of mussels, Mytilus trossulus, and limpets, predominately Tectura persona, on the rocks and many egg masses on rocks between Balanus barnacles. Pete D. found a fish which he photographed for study. The team did not see many chitons or anemone and there were no seastars at all.
Huge Isopods | Details of 1 Isopod | Monitoring team 2009 |
After the monitors completed their tasks we were treated to brunch at the picnic area by Pam C. and Candy T. Thanks to all those who came to support this event, Pete D. s family for joining us and Pam C. for hosting. Pictures were provided by Pete D. and Judi McD.
