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Fish and fish parasites were abundant this year. Fishermen were delighted with the good numbers of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) that were landed at Sandy Hook. We also observed a surprising number of fish that harbored
parasites of different types. The isopod pictured below is a
cymothoid
crustacean which can grow up to an inch in length. We also found
fish lice, sea leeches and ribbon louse on fluke and sharks. |
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(Right) One summer camp project involved searching for Japanese shore crabs, an invasive species that first arrived in New Jersey about 15 years ago. It is now quite common in the intertidal area. We were interested in surveying its abundance, range of habitats and temperature and salinity tolerance. (Below) We maintained crabs in tanks of varying salinities and found that they could survive in water that was between 5 ppt and 54 ppt (ocean salinity is between 30 and 35 ppt). The Japanese shore crab is a very tolerant and adaptable species! Other interesting finds this summer were live sea urchins (Arbacia); previously unknown from the bay or Sandy Hook beaches. |
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2001 is the second year in a row that we observed southern Portunid crabs entering the bay. This is another species that appears to be new to Sandy Hook bay. |
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This specimen, like most of the others we collected in the last two years, molted within days of its capture. Overnight, it increased its size by almost one third by shedding. Pictured here with its old shell is an immature female (note the triangular belly patch). |
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(Above) Raccoons are the most common large mammal on Sandy Hook, and routinely raid the Ocean Institute dumpster. Each morning we count and release these opportunistic scavengers (probably the same individuals). (Right) Important data on erosion is obtained by beach profiling. Data collected in the field is presented as a graph in the classroom. |
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We routinely do beach profiling throughout the year. This student presents an excellent profile featuring the summer berm, a depositional feature that forms each year, but erodes away most winters. |