Protocol for Observing Nudibranchs in Optimal Conditions Through Open Flow Aquaria
Presentation Abstract
This project focuses on the seasonal changes in nudibranch populations observed in the MaST Center aquarium located in Des Moines, WA. Nudibranchs are eurytrophic omnivores possessing a long-term planktonic larval stage which allows for choosing optimal environments to metamorphose. The MaST center provides this environment by having plentiful food sources and limited predators. The intention of the project is to create a protocol for citizen science research in an open flow aquarium. This would allow volunteers the opportunity to record nudibranch population densities, preferential habitats and egg mass occurrences in relation to seasonal changes for all observed species over an extended period of time. This research provides an understanding in the distribution of nudibranch species in Puget Sound and helps to increase public awareness of under-appreciated marine organisms.
Session Title
Session S-04I: Citizen Science as a Tool for Conservation
Conference Track
Citizens/Education
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
1-5-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 6:30 PM
Location
Room 6C
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Nudibranchia--Research--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Marine invertebrate populations--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Marine aquariums--Washington (State)--Des Moines
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.); Des Moines (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Protocol for Observing Nudibranchs in Optimal Conditions Through Open Flow Aquaria
Room 6C
This project focuses on the seasonal changes in nudibranch populations observed in the MaST Center aquarium located in Des Moines, WA. Nudibranchs are eurytrophic omnivores possessing a long-term planktonic larval stage which allows for choosing optimal environments to metamorphose. The MaST center provides this environment by having plentiful food sources and limited predators. The intention of the project is to create a protocol for citizen science research in an open flow aquarium. This would allow volunteers the opportunity to record nudibranch population densities, preferential habitats and egg mass occurrences in relation to seasonal changes for all observed species over an extended period of time. This research provides an understanding in the distribution of nudibranch species in Puget Sound and helps to increase public awareness of under-appreciated marine organisms.
