MBFE - Day 9 - Piers Docks and Piling communities

We are now well into the 2017 marine biology field experience (MBFE).  Today we wrapped up our next to last official class field trip - an outing to observe the community that lives on floating docks.  It's extremely convenient to have a harbor that's within walking distance of the marine lab.

After spending the morning in lecture, the class (and I) was ready to get out in the field again.  So we headed to the Charleston outer boat basin (harbor) where Charleston's commercial fishing fleet is based.

Floating docks are extremely interesting habitats because both intertidal and subtidal species ca be found there.  The water is shallow but the organisms are never exposed to the air.  To observe this community however, you have to get your face close to the water so you can have a good close look. 

A gray day at the harbor (L-R) Ashley, Caitlin and Bri.

 

While at the harbor the class got a first-hand lesson in crabbing and fisheries management.  A crab fisherman pulled up his traps and the students learned how to tell the difference between female and male crabs (all females get released) and how to measure the size of a crab (crabs that are too small also get released).  This time the crab fisherman came away empty handed.  Some days are like that.

Here is a link to footage the crab fisherman got via go-pro while his crab traps were down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUNK0PDkjdo&feature=youtu.be

From this point on, aside from class time students will be engaged in carrying out their research projects.

Stay tuned for updates.