Celebrate the Sea Around Us with Indian Island Annual Report

Beach seining, an important part of Indian Island Marine Health Observatory research. Photo sourtesy Andria Hagstrom.

Thursday, November 15 at 5:30 at Orcas Center

By Marcia Spees

You Are Invited to Celebrate Indian Island!

Did you know:

• The waters of East Sound have been growing cooler over the last four years?
• Eelgrass meadows around Indian Island are rebounding and local herring appear to be making a comeback?
• The marine ecosystem around Indian Island supports one of San Juan County’s most significant seahorse and squid nurseries?

These findings and more will be revealed at the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory’s 3rd Annual Report to the Community, Thursday, November 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Orcas Center.

For the past five seasons, the IIMHO team of local volunteer researchers, under the direction of ecologist Russel Barsh, has conducted data collection and public education at Indian Island. Indian Island, a federal Bureau of Land Management property surrounded by a mix of public and privately owned tidelands, is the small island in Eastsound’s seascape accessible by foot at low tides.

Every summer, new species have been discovered. This year volunteers identified three new sea slugs, two new sea anemones, two new sea star species and a very strange spaghetti worm which, unknown just a few years ago, remains unnamed!

Thursday’s “Celebrate Indian Island” will introduce these new findings as well as address the general “Health of the Bay”, including diversity observations and the impact of human activity on our common waterfront ecosystem.

The always entertaining and informative Russel Barsh (“he makes you want to learn more!”) will present the report accompanied by a jaw-dropping slide show of the creatures of Indian Island. If you haven’t encountered Russel Barsh, this is your opportunity.

There will also be several interesting interactive displays, including a project table for kids, a live tank, marine micro-plastics, phytoplankton microscopes and presentations by Marta Branch’s Orcas High marine biology students. Michael Hurwicz and Sharon Abreu, local songwriter/singers will entertain with “Greatest Musical Hits of Indian Island”.

You and your family and friends are most cordially invited. For anyone interested in what’s happening environmental-wise in our own backyard this is a must-attend event. Fun and informative, the “Health of the Bay” info/party is the team IIMHO’s gift to the community. We’d love to see you there.

Come. Explore. Learn. Question: Orcas Center; Thursday, November 15. 5:30- 7:30. Program begins at 5:50. Family-friendly. Free admission.

Oh – did we forget to mention? A savory light supper will be provided by the Orcas Village Store accompanied by sweets baked by the IIMHO team.

You will depart with both a full belly and a full mind.