Out and about
Spent the afternoon out on the R/V Centennial exploring the biology of the San Juan Islands! We did two otter trawls and pulled up a net full of amazing creatures...several different species of flatfishes (we have yet to identify which), Eumicrotremus orbis, lots of shrimp and decorator crabs. There were several Liparis species, one of which had a very unique pattern, almost camouflage like and another which had a marble patterned body. I will hit the labs with my field guide and report back on the species names. One of the most exciting catches of the day was a spotted ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei which is a cartilaginous fish with distinct green eyes and a venomous spine on its dorsal fin.
Another interesting find was a mermaid's purse, or the egg case of a Chondrichthyes. After learning about how the developing embryo uses its tail to pump water through the case, it was really exciting to see a real one.
Along the way we also saw several harbor seals and even a couple breaching porpoises and there was a steady trail of seagulls following us the whole time. Overall, it was a beautiful day out on the water. So much life in the Sound, both above and below the surface.
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