Citizen Science
Providing science with the help of volunteers
Drayton Harbor HABs (Harmful algal Blooms) Hunters
Since July 2020, a small group of volunteers have been sampling in Drayton Harbor to monitor for Harmful Algae Blooms. We've been collecting plankton net tow samples and whole water samples, as well as recording temperature and salinity and other field data. We are tracking for the presence and abundance of phytoplankton species that cause toxicity to shellfish or fish kills. We are tracking four target species: Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Alexandrium spp., Dinophysis spp., and Heterosigma spp. We also do observations and semi-quantitative and quantitative microscopic counts of other phytoplankton to contribute to understanding the population dynamics of these important organisms. Rick Beauregard.
Crab Team
These volunteers are out at Semiahmoo light trapping baby crabs (megalopae and instars) to help forecast the condition of crab populations and the condition of the ecosystem. Check out the results of studies from the summer of 2023 below!
Marine Debris Tracking
We’re helping NOAA track marine debris around the Salish Sea and you can help! The Marine Debris Tracker app (linked here) is used to catalog the type of debris collected, how much, and the location. We started using this wonderful tool in 2022 and have access to the data that is collected under our project. See our 2022 results below!
Anyone can download and track litter they pick up anywhere; these means you don’t have to be at the beach to pick up litter! Litter upland can wash into waterways which lead directly to the sea, so picking up litter is beneficial where ever you are. Use these instructions to track clean-ups under our Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum project and be the best Salish Sea Steward you can be!
