Intertidal Surveys: Research at the Ocean’s Edge
This week we’re diving into the creatures that call rocky intertidal areas home and highlighting how our research is helping us better understand the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. Read More
Category: Ecology
Mind-Bending Mollusks of the Intertidal Zone
Mollusks have evolved a stunningly effective feeding structure called a radula: a ribbon-like tongue covered with rows of rock-hard, razor-sharp teeth. Read More
Reports from the Field – Apr/May
Our volunteer anglers have been very busy, helping catch and sample fish during our spring hook and line surveys. So far we’ve completed 5 days of surveys at Cascade Head and 2 days at Cape Perpetua. Read More
Sea Stars: Tigers of the Tidepools
A few years ago Oregon’s intertidal zone was stacked with sea stars. Their brilliant bodies splashing red, orange, and purple color across rock surfaces when the tide receded. Now, fewer tidepools are brightened by these critters since the outbreak of sea star wasting syndrome occurred along the West Coast.
Reports from the Field
In collaboration with the Oregon Coast Aquarium we held our annual re-fresher training course for our volunteer scientific SCUBA divers. This year we will be conducting SCUBA surveys at the Cascade Head Marine Reserve. We have selected our two local fishing vessels to help with this year’s hook-and-line surveys. The surveys will be conducted Read More
Strange Creatures Cast Ashore: Velella Velella
In winter and spring, Oregon’s beaches can turn a vivid hue of purplish blue thanks to the invertebrate Velella velella. Also known as “By-the-Wind Sailor,” they are a living blue boat at the mercy of the winds. Storms blow these odd creatures with melodious names ashore, stranding them in uncountable numbers. Read More
Crabs: Competing and Cooperating at the Ocean’s Edge
Crabs add drama to the intertidal zone. They scurry in and out of rocky crevices in tidepools, and along sandy bottoms beneath the surface of the waves. Read More
Strange Creatures Cast Ashore: Salps
Perhaps you’ve seen one of these gelatinous creatures washed up onto one of Oregon’s beaches. Though they resemble jellyfish without tentacles, they belong to a group of animals known as tunicates, commonly called sea squirts. Guest author Stephen Grace shares this story and some of his photos with us. Read More
1,873 Fish and 63 Volunteers
Our annual Fish On! Hook-and-Line Volunteer Newsletter is now out with highlights from our 2017 surveys. Check out the Newsletter for more survey highlights and to learn a bit about our pilot fish tagging study at Redfish Rocks. Read More
Behind Closed Doors: The Sex Life of Barnacles
Patches of barnacles blanket the rocky surfaces in and around Oregon’s marine reserves, and hide fascinating life history secrets. We’ve invited guest author, filmmaker, and photographer Stephen Grace to share his photos and insights on barnacles with us. Read More