Volunteers from Orcas High, Orcas Christian, Salmonberry School, WSU Beach Watchers and a research scientist from local science organization Kwiaht gathered at Waterfront Park last week to set up the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory for monitoring a number of ecological and biologic processes in East Sound. The study area is the shallow waters and eelgrass meadows between Waterfront Park and BLM-managed Indian Island.

The Eastsound shoreline is a sensitive ecological area for birds, marine invertebrates, and fish. The bay was once an important Chinook salmon fishery, and before that, a source of fish and shellfish for the Coast Salish People. Anecdotal evidence suggests that factors like stormwater runoff, and heavy foot traffic during low tides, impact both water quality and the viability of marine life along the shoreline. The study will provide more information about the effects human activity as well as climate change.

The team deployed larval boxes for collecting samples of planktonic invertebrates, and staked out plots with green and orange markers for monitoring eelgrass growth and sediment accumulations. Two buoys with electronic sensors for measure turbidity and plankton growth were deployed in deeper water.

All the equipment is underwater except during the lowest tides. The research team asks for the public’s assistance in protecting the integrity of the study by not disturbing the plots, buoys, or larval boxes. However, researchers invite the public to join them on Mondays through Wednesdays during the low tide cycles in May, June, July, and August to talk about what they are doing and learning.

“The good news,” said project coordinator Russel Barsh of Kwiaht, “is that we have already found some pretty rare and sensitive species of crabs, fish and nudibranchs (sea slugs) in the intertidal waters of Indian Island. In other words, there’s still a lot to save.”

A first annual public report to the community will be organized in September.