Boats, ROV, etc.



Sea pen

Yesterday we went out on the research vessel to use the ROV (remote operated vehicle). We went to a couple different sites all around the San Juan de Fuca Straight and looked at the ocean floor. At one site with a silty bottom we saw some sea pens. These beautiful cnidarians are very common around here. They burrow part of their body into the sand and filter plankton out of the water using their feather-like projections on the side.

Kelp forest

 One of the other sites we visited was a kelp forest. On the way to that site, I saw something with a white head swimming in the water. From the ears, it looked to me like a laborador. I forgot that we were in the ocean and not in a Minnesotan lake! It turns out that it was a juvenile harbor seal. Unfortunately, he disappeared before I could snap a picture, but I as excited just to see him.

When we pulled the ROV out of the kelp forest, there was a sea urchin attached to it. I took a picture of me with it for Dr. Winslow, because she LOVES urchins.

After we left the kelp forest we went to Deception Pass. I visited this pass last week with Kailey, but it was a whole different experience seeing it from below. Also, the currents are extremely strong there. The wind and the tide were going in opposite directions, so there were some standing waves that made for a bumpy ride. No seasickness though :)

Tomorrow, we are going out again for a 4-5 hour boat cruise. We will stop and go hiking for a little while on one of the islands and we are hoping that we will stumble across one of the 3 pods or killer whales that live out here. I hope the weather is nice! It looks like it will be cloudy, but as long as it isn't raining, I'll he happy because I can still take pictures.

Crab update: They are still alive! I made sure they were in seawater this time ;) The eggs still haven't hatched, but it looks like they will early next week, which means I will be able to start experiments soon! For now, I am just monitoring my crabs and rotifers and working on a presentation I have to give next week.