Tag Archives: Phaeophyta

Blooming Thrift

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May 3

The weather today was very similar to yesterday’s, with a flip flop breeze most of the day, finally becoming a 15- 20 knot westerly as dusk approached. Temperatures were a little warmer, 14o C and solar radiation levels about the same. The barometer is still dropping and the short-term forecast looks like more of the same with raining arriving Tuesday.

 

Two whale watching boats were observed in the Ecological Reserve this morning and a dive charter vessel supported divers in the ER.

Eagles continue to hunt in the ER as does a lone raven that visits daily and drives the oystercatchers mad.

 

Bald Eagles have been observed catching fish and chasing Canada Geese and Glaucous-winged Gulls in the last few weeks. As long as the wind is not too strong, they are here daily.

Bald Eagles have been observed catching fish and chasing Canada Geese and Glaucous-winged Gulls in the last few weeks. As long as the wind is not too strong, they are here daily.

There were 15 elephant seals on Great Race this morning and most of the day. Their moult continues.

Canada's largest and oldest Northern Elephant Seal colony is thriving at Race Rocks.

Canada’s largest and oldest Northern Elephant Seal colony is thriving at Race Rocks.

It is an itch business having a total body peel and hair removal.

It is an itch business having a total body peel and hair removal.

Only two "eyebrow" vibrissae to go. Nice symmetry, no plucking involved.

Only two “eyebrow” vibrissae to go. Nice symmetry, no plucking involved.

The southwest corner of Great Race is becoming an old age home for male sea lions and there were five hauled out there all day.

An 'old boy' having a snooze on the SW corner of Great Race, the new old boys club.

An ‘old boy’ having a snooze on the SW corner of Great Race, the new old boys club.

 

The Sea Thrift is blooming.

Sea Thirft, Armeria maritima supspecies maritima is an introduced species. I 'm not sure which sub-species this is, native or european.

Sea Thirft, Armeria maritima subspecies maritima is an introduced species. I ‘m not sure which sub-species this is, native or european.

I spent a bit of time in the inter-tidal today and soon discovered that the memory cards in the camera were full so I spent a lot more time culling and sorting photographs indoors.

 

Phylospadix scouleri, also known as surf grass is found in the low tide zone and the top of the sub-tidal. Here it is mixed with Desmarestia aculeata and bull kelp Nereocystis lutkeaena both subtidal species.

Phylospadix scouleri, also known as surf grass is found in the low tide zone and the top of the sub-tidal. Here it is mixed with Desmarestia aculeata and bull kelp Nereocystis lutkeaena both subtidal species.

Many of the species found in the inter-tidal at Race Rocks are more usually associated with outer coast, more wave exposed sites. The current here makes it a very rich hotspot for marine biodiversity.

Many of the species found in the inter-tidal at Race Rocks are more usually associated with outer coast, more wave exposed sites. The current here makes it a very rich hotspot for marine biodiversity.

Competition for space and creation of more habitat go hand in hand. Notice set of tiny barnacles on the California Mussels and a spot of Endocladia muricata which is what larval Mytilus californianus likes to settle out on.

Competition for space and creation of more habitat go hand in hand. Notice set of tiny barnacles on the California Mussels and a spot of Endocladia muricata which is what larval Mytilus californianus likes to settle out on.

A Henry Star also known as the Blood Star or Henrycia spp.. It will need to find shade to conserve water so that it can breath through its skin.

A Henry Star also known as the Blood Star or Henrycia spp.. It will need to find shade to conserve water so that it can breath through its skin.

There were no visitors and chores were routine.

Enter the Merry Month of May

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The wind was just a zephyr today, with a weightless push from south, then southwest, and then nothing for a while. Not much to sail with and the flag hung lifelessly. The barometric pressure was similarly lethargic, going up ever so slightly, then down by about the same. The strong wind warning continues, so it may get here by Sunday evening and the forecast is for sunshine.

There were no whale-watching boats in the Ecological Reserve today although a sports fishing boat came by to look at the sealions in the evening. One rental boat from Pedder Bay with three men, insisted on fishing for and catching rockfish in the closed Rockfish Conservation Area, while the regulars were well outside. There needs to be more notification and communication about where the conservation area is located.

The bull kelp has reached the surface at low tides and is forming fairly massive beds around Turbine Rock where the Sea Otter likes to hang-out. In by the jetty where the current is less active it is at the surface all the time now and some of it is very reproductive, with large sori patches visible on the fronds.

Bull kelp fixes carbon faster than just about anything and grows so fast it makes bamboo look like it is standing still.

Bull kelp fixes carbon faster than just about anything and grows so fast it makes bamboo look like it is standing still.

Bull kelp sori

You can easily see where reduction division (meiosis) happens in the lighter yellow spore patches. You can also see where early patches have popped out of the frond and drifted off.

 

The pair of geese nesting at the base of the light-tower were out walking their goslings today. It looks like five out their eight eggs successfully hatched. The gander belonging to another, younger pair gave himself a real scare today, walking past the basement door where he could see his own reflection. That was really troubling to the pair and also very noisy. The gulls are also noisily going about their business.

Gwgu mate gwgu mate2

The elephant seals continue to moult although a few of them are down to just a few eyebrow hairs now. The younger males seem to be the last to moult and the most active. The same 12 to 14 individuals continue to frequent Great Race.

This almost three year old male (#5850) continues to spend day and night on Great Race. He has finally started to moult.

This almost three year old male (#5850) continues to spend day and night on Great Race. He has finally started to moult.

This young female is ahead of the young males in her moult.

This young female is ahead of the young males in her moult.

California Sealions were hauled out on Great Race today for the first time since I arrived in March and there was a male Californian (sealion) on the jetty that didn’t want to leave when I went down to sample seawater in the afternoon.

The solar panels were well supplied with sunlight today and produced enough energy to run the de-salinator and top up fresh water supply. The high value was 900 W/m2 and the cumulative amount for the day, at 7:00 PM broke the week’s record.

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There were no visitors today and maintenance included routine chores and a couple of little projects.

Dec 28, Warden’s Report -Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

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I went to Race Rocks today with Val George for the Christmas bird Count.  ( See other reports from  today.) The highlight of course was the discovery of the first record for the Boreal Owl in Southern Vancouver Island . Some other observations from my visit are included here:

2014-12-28gooseexclosure2 2014-12-28gooseexclosure1m
Several 1 metre exclosures for goose grazing have been installed on the grass  areas on Race Rocks. Winter grazing by the Canada geese (introduced to Vancouver Island in the 1980s) has resulted in erosion in some areas of the island, and grass turf cover is prevented.
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Drift Macrocystis at the jetty. This Giant Kelp can grow anchored at great depths but winter storms will lift it up and the  main contribution to energy-flow  in the ecosystem comes from decomposition on the shoreline. Macrocystis grows in areas of high salinity, so not in he brackish estuarine conditions of the Strait of Juan de Fuca , but not at Race Rocks  where it ends up only as drift in the strand line.
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A dead cormorant, (probably Brandt’s ). Interesting webbed foot structure.
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A 1st year juvenile Thayer’s Gull The breast had a hole and internal organs  were eaten. It was probably from an eagle attack.
2014-12-28energybldg energybuildingpanels
This year, the college has finished tilting the solar panels. Increased energy efficiency has been noted. They were originally installed flat since we were concerned that the strength of the wind may damage them. This hasn’t happened. View of the energy building roof from the top of the tower.
2014-12-28johanplaque ..
This fall a plaque has been installed to honour Johan Ashuvud, who as a student at Pearson College, was instrumental in having Race Rocks designated as an ecological reserve in 1980 ..

Other Ecological reserves wardens reports are available here:

Fucus gardneri: rockweed– The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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This image shows the reproductive receptacles which are swollen areas at the tips of fronds that have many flask-shaped cavities called conceptacles. These house the male and female reproductive structures known as antheridia (borne on antheridiophores) and oogonia (containing 8 eggs). The eggs and sperm are liberated onto the surface of the receptacles and a pheromone (sex-attracting substance) is released by the eggs that attracts the sperm. Fertilization results in a zygote that forms a new Fucus adult.

Historically physicians used this seaweed for goiter (swelling of the tissue or cells of the thyroid) and for obesity. Published commentary by a turn of the century physician (Dr. J. Herbert Knapp) indicated that he had found this plant to be a specific remedy for both exophthalmic and uncomplicated goiter. Earle Claxton referred to medicinal uses by the First Nations in this video.

Description: Fucus gardneri is attached by a small, strongly attached disc which gives rise to a short stipe.

Distribution: This species is common on the mid inter-tidal rocks of all the islands at Race Rocks.

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Protoctista
Division: Chromophycota
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Fucales
Family :Fucaceae
Genus :Fucus
Species: gardneri
Common Name: Rock Weed
Other Members of the Brown Algae or  Phaeophyta at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

 

Desmarestia herbacea: The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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desm

Desmarestia herbacea at the base of a Laminarian Photo by Ryan Murphy

Desmarestia herbaceaPhylum: Phaeophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Desmarestiales
Family: Desmarestiaceae
Desmarestia herbacea (Lamouroux)

Description:  This plant is erect, up to 2m. high, flattened, 1-2 cm. wide, tapering abruptly to a short cylindrical stipe with a discoid holdfast.   The plant has 3-4 orders of branches from a percurrent axis; branching opposite; base of branch esstipitate.  The main axis and branches have a conspicuous thick percurrent midrib, and branch apices are densely clothed with acute hairs.

Habitat:  On rocks in the lower intertidal zone and upper subtidal zones.

Pacific Coast Distribution:  Alaska to Mexico. Robert Scagel, 1972
Other Phaeophytes or Brown Algae at Race Rocks

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. —–——- PC yr 31

 

Desmarestia intermedia : The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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desmarest

The wiry branches of Desmarestia  intermedia.. Photo by Ryan Murphy

All the Desmarestias have high acid content. You often see them bleached out on the beach, and they will also bleach any adjacent algae.

Phylum: Phaeophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Desmarestiales
Family: Desmarestiaceae
Desmarestia intermedia (Postels and Ruprecht)

Description:  This plant is dark brown in colour, up to 60 cm. high, very profusely branched, wiry; branches mostly compressed, about 1.5mm. wide except near the base, where the main axes are up to 5 mm. wide and cylindrical. Branching is fasiculate below, mostly alternate above, occasionally opposite.

Habitat:   On rocks in the upper subtidal zone.
Pacific Coast Distribution: Bering Sea to Oregon.
Robert Scagel, 1972
Other Phaeophytes or Brown Algae at Race Rocks

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. -Ryan Murphy 2005

 

Laminaria groenlandica : The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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laminaria groenlandica

Laminaria groenlandica blade showing deep dissections==All photos by Ryan Murphy

Phylum: Phaeophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Laminariales
Family: Laminaracea
Laminaria groenlandica (Rosenvinge)


Description: This plant is dark brown to black in colour with a conspicuous holdfast, blade, and stipe. The stipe varies in length from 10 cm. or less to 60 cm. in length, from terete to complanate, and is 3-4 mm. diameter. The holdfast is relatively small, made up of many branched root-like structures. The blade is 60-90 cm. long, 7-12 cm. wide, sometimes deeply dissected, and it may be completely smooth, with only two rows of bullations, or densely bullate over the entire surface. The base of the blade is broadly rounded.
Habitat: On rocks in the upper subtidal zone.
Pacific Coast Distribution: Bering Sea to Oregon. Robert Scagel, 1972
Other Phaeophytes or Brown Algae at Race Rocks

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. Ryan Murphy PC yr 26

 

Laminaria saccharina: The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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lsaccharina

A young Laminaria saccharina showing bullations. All photos by Ryan Murphy

Phylum: Phaeophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Laminariales
Family: Laminaracea
Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamouroux

Description: This plant is rich brown colour with a conspicuous holdfast, blade, and stipe. The holdfast is composed of branched root-like structures. The stipe varies in length from 5 to 50 cm., from 6 to 9 mm. in diameter, is terete, flattening above the base of the blade.   The blade is smooth, with or without two rows of bullations, sometimes undulate, and tapered to broadly rounded at the base; it is 12-18 cm. broad and 2.5-3.5 m. long.
Habitat: On rocks in the lower intertidal and upper subtidal zones.
Pacific Coast Distribution: Alaska to Oregon and in the Channel Islands, California.  Robert Scagel, 1972

Other Phaeophytes or Brown Algae at Race Rocks

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. -Ryan Murphy PC yr 26

 

Cymathere triplicata: The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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ctriplicata2Description: This blade-like plant is yellowish brown, with a linear undivided blade up to 4 m. long and 18 cm. wide; the blade is thick and rigid below, thinner above; three to five prominent longitudinal folds run the full length of the blade. The base of the blade tapers (or is broadly rounded) to a stipe that is up to 25 cm. long, flattened above and cylindrical below, where it terminates in a prominent discoid holdfast.

Habitat:           On rocks in the upper subtidal zones.
Pacific Coast Distribution:           Bering Sea to Washington.
Robert Scagel, 1972

Classification:

Eukarya
Phylum: Phaeophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Laminariales
Family: Laminariaceae
Cymathere triplicata (Postels and Ruprecht) J. Agardh
Common name -three-ribbed kelp

There is a publication called “Seaweed-assisted, benthic gravel transport by tidal currents” which  has shown the role of Phaeophytes like this in depositing rocks and gravels on beaches.   An example of this can be seen in this posts on the MetchosinCoastal  website. ( To be added)

See all Phaeophytes in the Race Rocks Taxonomy

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. Ryan Murphy PC yr 26

 

Cystoseira geminata

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cgeminataccali

A branch of Cystocera geminata shown by Joe Downham –photos by Ryan Murphy

cgeminata

C.geminata sub-tidally at Race Rocks

Cystoseira geminata
Description: This plant is profusely branched, yellowish brown to dark brown in colour, reaching a height of 2-5 m. The plant is fastened to the substrate by a stout discoid holdfast.           A short, terete stipe arises from the holdfast. This stipe is soon dissected into a number of stout radially arranged primary branches, which in turn bear long filiform secondary branches.         The long filiform branches produce shorter alternately arranged tertiary branchlets. Near the base these tertiary branchlets undergo a few divisions, become markedly flattened and leaf-like, and give the basal region of the plant the appearance of a fern frond. These flattened branches are short, lanceolate in shape, with smooth margins, and are ribless.           The ultimate branchlets have inflations, or air vesicles, borne singly or in pairs or chains.

Habitat:           On rocks in the lower intertidal and upper subtidal zones.

Pacific Coast Distribution:           Bering Sea to Washington.
Robert Scagel, 1972

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Chromalveolata
Phylum: Heterokontophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Fucales
Family: Fucaceae
Genus: Cystoseira geminata (L.) C.Agardh, 1820 [1]

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. Ryan Murphy, PC Year 26