Welcome to my thesis log. Please browse the pages sections as well (for example: the tabs that currently say “What is this!?” and “Thanks!” – the former says where I am and has a photo), since I’m going to be playing around a bit with entries (this is my first time using wordpress.com). I may edit some over multiple days, so forgive the notes to myself on where to add photos, etc.

I’ve been in Chile for over a week now, but I’ve spent only a few days here at the station so far. I’ve become familiar with the cute crustacean who is to be my new subject. Let me introduce Acanthocylus gayi!

We have 20 enclosures which can be used for laboratory experiments, but the pressboard that had been the floor has warped with water and time. Yesterday was an exciting trip into the neighboring town for some new boards (and a real grocery store!). They cut everything for free at the hardware store. However, I still have to custom cut a square for the tile the turf is attached to (in each board). We’re collecting crabs this evening so they will be nice and hungry by the time everything is up and running.

Alright, now that you are up to date (and probably quite confused) here is the plan:

Start with a basic laboratory experiment to see if feeding rates on mussels change with turf height. This means having enclosures with a crevice and turf. The turf will be either short or long and the mussels will be nestled inside. It is possible that feeding rates will increase in tall turf since previous experiments indicated that A. gayi prefer to hide themselves in tall turf as opposed to the crevice, but prefer the crevice over the short turf. This potentially increases their feeding time if they are hiding in turf (since they emerge from crevices to feed). Evie (my project mentor) has noticed that they attempt to search for food in the turf even when the food is located elsewhere in the enclosure. So, as a second small project, I think it would be neat to see if they feed more when the mussels are located in turf vs. outside of the turf. That means two general experiments which I can run simultaneously to see if they will work. I’ll run replicates over time if all goes well.

Everything should be up and running in the next few days. I’ll try to put a photo of the enclosures up as soon as I have one refurbished – my descriptions always make more sense with pictures.

One last side note: Today will be my first time working the low tide in the dark! I’ll try to sit down and describe the differences between the Oregon and Chilean intertidal systems when I have a chance. For now, I’ll just mention that the coastline here is much steeper than the flat rocky benches we have back home. It means working much more closely with the waves than I have before (especially compared to Friday Habor since the San Juan’s are so protected)! Here are some coastal photos from outside of the station – look closely and you can see the fence that marks the line of the marine reserve in the second.

Thanks for reading! I should have photos up and a new post in a few days.