Supporting local ecotourism!

After a "vigorous" kayak through the estuary, the lesson continues as Abraham tells the students about the ecological and financial importance of the estuary while the students dine on locally caught ceviche tostadas, oysters on the half shell and manta ray tacos. Now THAT'S the way to learn marine biology!
     Dr. C

Other views of CEDO from the day

Some shots of the marine lab.
   Dr. C

Beach Bum

A little fun to pass the time as we waited for dinner at the Beach Bum. A delicious dinner next to the ocean, a gorgeous sunset and the cool ocean breeze! 

Mexico Coca-Cola is soOO amaZZzzing! :)

Denevette

Turbo Snails

Today we explored some rocky tidal pools in the intertidal zone. I had no idea so many invertebrates thrived in tidal pools! Aside from all the many creatures we collected, the most shocking to me was finding turbo snail eggs. They were attached to the bottom of a rock inside the pool. One turbo snail can lay a lot of eggs! These snails are from the phyllum mollusca and class gastropoda. They like to cling to the bottom of rocks in the tidal pools to stay cool and keep from drying out. 

Today was only the first field day, can't wait to go back out and discover more tomorrow!

Denevette

for the love of marine invertebrates

Our first full day in rocky point was today. For me it was a very fun day because I love marine invertebrates! We woke up early to explore the rocky tide pools of the intertidal zone. Tide pools contain a wealth of diverse marine organisms. These organisms have specifically evolved to life in an environment of harsh uncertainty. As a result they have developed behaviors and adaptations to ensure their survival. As the water recedes during low tide organisms are subject to extreme heat, predation, and potential desiccation. During our time exploring the tide pools and collecting specimens we observed some interesting behaviors. Many sessile animals like sea anemones and bivalves draw themselves inward sealing themselves off from the external environment until conditions improve. Motile organisms such as brittle stars, crabs, chitons, and octopus all move deep into the rocks to hide from the sun.

I really enjoyed searching for these animals and observing how they handle the challenges of living in the rock intertidal zone! I can't wait for tomorrow!

Hillary

p.s. photo credit goes to KG

CEDO fundraiser wall

These beautiful tile walls around the lower level show the contributions of many visitors in the past, including MCC!

Re: 1st morning

On May 14, 2014 5:29 AM, "Dr. Alexander Cheroske" <drcheroske@gmail.com> wrote:

A bit windy but nice to be out under the stars.
    Dr. C