On Friday, Louis and I were asked to help out with the Pearl Oyster Project. Kristen, a grad student from UCSC is doing her doctorate project on the decline and
rejuvenation of Pearl Oysters here in the Atoll. In the 1920's the Atoll was pretty much stripped of these oysters and now they are trying to get them back.
We rode out to the far side of Eastern Island where one group of the test sites are. They have placed several "substrates" around the Atoll and periodically go out and check them for new growth. They are made up of folds of weed cloth.
When we got to the site, Kristen and I went in and collected the samples and brought them back to the boat.
Here, Kate and Kristen scour through these samples. It took them HOURS! to look through about 8 of them. They were pleased with the number of young oysters on them. there was also baby brittle starfish, sea urchins and slugs. It was very interesting.
After they were done, Louis, Kristen and I returned them all to their marked sites. They will be checked again in two weeks. It was a fun learning experience and a great snorkeling trip!
On Friday, Louis and I were asked to help out with the Pearl Oyster Project. Kristen, a grad student from UCSC is doing her doctorate project on the decline and rejuvenation of Pearl Oysters here in the Atoll. In the 1920's the Atoll was pretty much stripped of these oysters and now they are trying to get them back.
We rode out to the far side of Eastern Island where one group of the test sites are. They have placed several "substrates" around the Atoll and periodically go out and check them for new growth. They are made up of folds of weed cloth.
When we got to the site, Kristen and I went in and collected the samples and brought them back to the boat.
Yo Greg,
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been busy! Great job! - ttk