May 3rd
Studying Marine Biology in the Keys is a great oppor-tuna-ty to grow more aware of the environment we live in and experience the diversity of life on this earth. This morning, we were greeted with a bright sunny day that led us right into the lab for the day’s lecture on positive Interactions in marine systems. In particular, we learned about interactions between species that result in a benefit for one individual with no harm to the other. During the lecture, I found myself considering how we as humans might work towards increasing facilitative interactions –as a society we can be so destructive towards other species and the environment.
Following the morning lecture, we divided ourselves into two groups, with one group visiting the rocky shores of Anne’s Beach and the other traveling to Indian Key State Park. While swimming at Anne’s Beach, I followed a school of fish. It took time, but after a while they stopped swimming away from me –I am pretty sure they accepted me as one of their own! At the beach, we studied the resident populations of fiddler crabs, gastropods, and polyplacophora -‘Fuzzy Chittons” as Jacob Roth lovingly calls them.
Indian Key State Park treated us to beautiful soft corals and a plethora of fish. Though the boat ride was bumpy, we quickly settled into exploring the Key and the surrounding flora and fauna. While snorkeling in the grass beds, we found pink conch shells, sea urchins, many fish and crabs. And then, we hit the jackpot. Right below the dock, we discovered all sorts of marine life! I encountered so many new lifeforms and was amazed at the number of fish I saw –some reminded me of the fish Dory from “Finding Nemo!” A notable creature we observed was a large red octopus. We tried to lure it out of its lair with a luscious conch, but were disappointed with a no-show.
Following a late lunch, we headed out for our first experience collecting research data. I was anxious to try out our research method and finally begin collecting samples, however, it turned out to be an afternoon of mistakes and learning opportunities. Overall, it a-piers to have been a very successful day!
-Deeksha Pagar ’18
