Kelp forest exploration – F block

On Wednesday 3 October second year Marine Science students in F block travelled to Fossil Point to explore the Nereocystis kelp forest.

 

From the surface, various abiotic factors were measured.

 

And organisms were observed, including the Lion’s mane jelly (Cyanea capillata) below.

 

And a kelp crab (Pugettia producta) that was collected by Chris.

 

Seven students submerged themselves in the ecosystem using mask, snorkel & fins.

The hardest part was getting dressed…

 

 

Once in the water they seemed to really enjoy themselves…

 

 

 

Sammy managed to collect a holdfast:

 

 

It was difficult to extract the snorkelers from the kelp forest but we had to return to the College for lunch (we left the kelp there for the grazers – sea urchins, snails, fishes, etc.).

Tags: Bull kelp, Cyanea capillata, kelp forest, Nereocystis luetkeana, Pugettia producta, year 38