Research Methods: Nahant, MA
Introduction:
Partners in Slime
Background
information:
Littorina saxatilis
Taxonomic Info
Life History
Habitat
Stresses for
L.saxatilis to overcome
Invasive?
Background
information:
Tectarius
muricatus
The Study:
Nahant Project
Methods
Results
Discussion
Sub-study:
Bermuda Project
Study Site: The project I carried out took place at Nahant, Massachusetts where Northeastern University's Marine Science Center is located.
On October 15th 2004, L.saxatilis distribution was experimentally altered at three sites in the high intertidal at different at zones in the high intertidal. I called these zones High-high intertidal, Mid-High intertidal, and Low-High intertidal. Each site was 3.6 meters away from one another, with the third site being closest to the water. 10 snails from each site were randomly chosen from those available at an arms length, however, I did attempt to maximize size range of snails from each site. Shell length was measured with a digital caliper, excepting site -03- (lack of visibility due to nightfall)
The 10 snails at each site were tagged with Bee-tags. This involved cleaning the backs of snails shells with alcohol swabs, and placing B-tags near (not over) the snail's operculum with super glue. This was very tedious and hard to accomplish in the rain. All snails B-tagged were placed around an predetermined area of tagged either -01-, -02-, or -03-. Fig.1, Fig.2 and Fig.3 on this page are pictures of each site.
Sites -01- and sites -02- were tagged with red Bee-tags and Site -03- were tagged with Blue Bee-Tags.
During recovery visits (October 26th and November 11th) the rocks and underlying area were searched carefully for any snails with Bee tags.
ON to Results
All information found on this site is for educational purposes only. Unless otherwise specified, all images are property of Kathryn Brown. For permission to use contact: Kathryn Brown (site creator) or Clark University Worcester, MA © 2004
Fig. 1 Site -01-
At this site high density of snails were observed on top of rocks.
Ascophyllum observed.
Fig.2 Site -02-
At this site fucus and ascophyllum were observed.
Fig. 3 Site -03-
At this stie Littorina Littoria, fucus, ascophyllum,
and barnacles were observed.