Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Low tides bring people out to Indian Island to explore the fabulous marine life









Last Thursday the 2010 WSU Beach Watchers class explored Indian Island with Russel Barsh, learning about what lives on the island and about the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory project.



Friday was a research day. Russel, Marta Branch and her science students, along with WSU Beach Watchers, Margot Shaw, Marcia Spees and Nancy Alboucq did an intertidal survey, a terrestrial survey and a beach seine.



We saw some amazing sea life including: juvenile and adult Porcelain Crab, White Glove Leather, Red Sponge Nudibranch, Lemon Nudibranch..some were mating and some were laying ribbons of eggs, many orange Sea Cucumber and a little Red Octopus. The Octopus gave us quite a show. We saved it from where it was found on the rocky shore. We gently put it back into the water and it immediately camouflaged itself by changing it's color and texture. Then it let us know it was pretty mad by releasing it's ink to make itself difficult to see. I hope to add a picture of the Octopus to this post as soon as I can. I did not have my camera, so if anyone got a good shot, please send it to: nancyalboucq@gmail.com



There were 2 Oyster Catchers flying overhead and making lots of noise. They were upset with the Canada Geese that are nesting on the island. There are 6-7 nests on the island with eggs.



The wild flowers on the island were in full glory. The Camus, Pacific Sanicle, Chocolate Lily and Sea Blush were all blooming. Note: lots of invasive ivy as well.

We were treated to catching dozens of Pipefish, of many different ages when we did our beach seine.


On Sunday, Russel and Madrona lead an I.I. beach walk in conjunction with the San Juan Sustainability Fair held on Saturday in Eastsound and as part of the public outreach portion of the IIMHO project. There were approximately 20 hardy souls who endured the blustery, wet, cold afternoon to enjoy the treasures of the Island.



There have been several articles and blog comments written about the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory recently. Please use links below to view the articles.









http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/ (the Island's Sounder online)

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