Citizen Science Programs
When our Foss Discovery Lab opened in 2005, the door also opened to many new research initiatives which we now carry out partnership with other organizations. These programs, staffed by dedicated and well trained volunteers are providing important information on the health of the local marine ecosystem.
East Jefferson County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (EJCMMSN)
This volunteer network provides data to NOAA on dead, stranded or abandoned marine mammals on our shores. Volunteers are trained to respond and collect vital stats on any marine animal reported to the stranding net hotline (360-385-5582 ext 103). This information is entered into a national database that is used to establish baseline information on marine mammal communities.
Plastics Monitoring Project
In 2007 the PTMSC, with support from Algalita Research Foundation, started a pilot program to monitor the accumulation of plastic in the Puget Sound. Staff and volunteers collected sediment samples from 5 different beaches around the Puget Sound. These samples were then sorted, and the plastic found was typed, counted and weighed. More information and data
Global Pollution Map DD Concentration of DDTs in beached plastic resin pellet
Global Pollution Map HC Concentration of HCHs* in beached plastic resin pellet
Global Pollution Map PC Concentration of PCBs* in beached plastic resin pellet
Hydrophone
In October 2006, two hydrophones (underwater microphones) were installed beneath the Port Townsend Marine Science Center pier. These hydrophones are one of five “nodes” of the Salish Sea hydrophone network, a project sponsored by NOAA and The Whale Museum. This network allows scientists and the public to listen to orcas, or killer whales, and other marine animals in Puget Sound waters. The project goals are to monitor underwater noise pollution levels, detect the sounds of endangered southern resident killer whales, and raise awareness about underwater sound. You can listen to any of the nodes live at http://orcasound.net.
Each node of the network consists of at least one hydrophone, a cable to bring the sound signal onto land, a “sound board” to digitize the signal, and a computer to analyze the signal and stream it via the Internet. The PTMSC node consists of two hydrophones located 10 meters under water. Having two hydrophones allows listeners to triangulate the location where the sounds originate. Even when the Marine Exhibit is closed, you can listen to the “sounds” of Puget Sound by turning a knob on the back of the exhibit building to activate the exterior hydrophone speakers.
Photo: Beamreach.org
Point Wilson Beach Native Plant Conservation at Fort Worden State Park.
The Point Wilson Conservation Workgroup formed from the PTMSC Botany study group out of concerns for the native beach plant community at Fort Worden. Working with Fort Worden State Park, the Washington Native Plant Society, and volunteers from PTMSC, its main focus is conserving native plant community between the kitchen shelter and the lighthouse on the east side of the road. This past year, the group has been working with the park to direct beachgoers to designated trails. Barriers, informative signs and jute mesh have been installed to eliminate and re-vegetate social trails. Invasive species are being removed by various methods. Work parties of volunteers are scheduled when needed. Individual volunteers also have been removing invasive species. Pictures of volunteers at work For information, contact Sharon Schlentner
Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health Program (BEACH)
A partnership with Washington State Department of Heath, Department of Ecology and EPA, that tracks water quality of saltwater recreational beaches to protect public health. Water samples are collected weekly, June – September, in Fort Worden State Park and sent to an accredited lab to be analyzed for harmful bacteria loads. This information is made available to the public on a website or by phone. Data for individual beaches For our data, pick "Fort Worden beach".
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Detection Network
A Partnership with Department of Health designed for recreational shellfishers who rely on accurate and timely PSP information. Mussels are gathered from the PTMSC dock every other week, May – November, and sent to the Department of Health. Volunteers make a valuable contribution to the health and safety of our community by tracking concentration of the PSP toxin in blue mussels so beaches can be closed in a timely manner if are unsafe to eat. Wa. State Dept. of Health Biotoxin Program
European Green Crab Monitoring Program
This Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife project managed by Nahkeeta Northwest Wildlife Services focuses on monitoring for the presence of the Green Crab, an invasive species. Volunteers monitor several beaches in our area using crayfish traps deployed for 24 hours once a month, April - September. The contents of the traps is then recorded and reported back to WDFW.
Olympic Region Harmful Algal Bloom (ORHAB)
This study investigates bloom origins of toxic algae, assesses environmental conditions condusive to blooms and monitors where and when the blooms occur. The group was organized to foster collaboration and cooperation among federal, state, and local management agencies. Volunteers gather plankton samples from docks in Port Townsend and Marrowstone Island and analyze them for the presence of any species of concern. Samples are gathered year round and take about three hours to process.
Port Townsend Water Quality Monitoring Project
This is an extension of work being done by the Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program, HCDOP. The PTMSC will follow all protocol designed by the HCDOP adding to their extensive baseline data set for Hood Canal. This will allow researchers to compare what is happening inside the Canal with water samples outside that system. We start sampling in Port Townsend this spring and hope to find funding to start a sampling program out of Port Ludlow. Volunteers will be asked to take very accurate readings of water quality once a week year round in rotating teams. Dissolved Oxygen Data
Beach Seines
This is a great way to monitor the eelgrass system in Fort Worden State Park. Often beach seines are done with groups of visiting students but we also have opportunities for volunteers to help pull the 100-foot net through the eelgrass bed to inventory species found. This in-house, long-term data set is an incredible resource for anyone studying near shore eelgrass-based food webs.
The Rot Cord Project
The PTMSC has partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct a study of rot cords used on crab pots. Recreational and commercial crabbers use natural cord that rots and disintegrates over time so that captured crabs can escape if gear is lost. The goal of this study, which began in May of 2006 is to determine how long it takes each material to rot.The test will run for three to five months. Volunteers will pull the pots weekly and test each cord type to determine the length of time it takes for it to degrade. Test results may influence which cord types are recommended by WDFW in the future.
Learn More About Nearshore Environments
Photo Credits: PTMSC