Marine Invasive Species Training at PTMSC
A training workshop sponsored by the Puget Sound Marine Invasive Species Volunteer Monitoring Program (MISM) will be held Saturday, June 14th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC).
“This is an educational training for anyone interested in the monitoring of local beaches for non-native and invasive marine species,” said Jean Walat, volunteer coordinator for the PTMSC. “If you have been a volunteer for the PTMSC, European Green Crab monitoring, Beach Watchers, Shore Stewards or have an interest in shoreline stewardship, please join us in this important effort.”
The Puget Sound Marine Invasive Species Volunteer Monitoring (MISM) is a science-based volunteer monitoring program developed and coordinated by Nahkeeta Northwest for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Aquatic Nuisance Species Division to systematically survey beaches, docks and marinas for marine invasive and non-native species. It will serve two functions: first, as a baseline search to document the occurrence and distribution of many known non-native species; second, as an early detection system for high-risk invasive species entering our inland marine waters.
Thirty species will be targeted in the program, from one that are easy to identify such as, Japanese eelgrass (Zostera japonica) or purple varnish clam (Nuttallia obscurata) to more obscure species such as Tunicates, oyster drills and many more. Four different survey methods will be available for volunteers to choose from including the continuation of green crab trapping.
Monitoring, identification and documentation of invasive species in greater Puget Sound is an important contribution to the restoration of this fragile ecosystem. To date, there have been no comprehensive surveys or mapping of non-native species in Puget Sound. This is an opportunity to participate and learn about the many species invading our inland waters.
The program plans to cover as many beaches as possible in 2008. There’s no need to be an expert, but familiarity with native marine shoreline species is beneficial. MISM will provide in-depth training, support and a great reason to spend time on your favorite beaches!!
If you would like to register for the training workshops, contact Ann Eissinger, Nahkeeta Northwest, at 360-766-6008 or via e-mail at nnw2@fidalgo.net or Jean Walat, PTMSC, at 360-385-5582, ext. 112 or via e-mail at jwalat@ptmsc.org.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to learn more or participate in MISM, please contact Ann Eisinger be learn about future trainings and activities.