Indian Island Marine Health Observatory Plans Low Tide Night Walks

Red (yes, red) octopus, similar to one found at a previous beach walk. Octopus can change coloration in a fraction of a second to camouflage with their surroundings. They can also alter their skin texture to match sand or the smooth texture of a rock.

Russell Barsh, founder of Kwiáht, the Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea, announces the third annual nighttime low-tide walk around Indian Island on Wednesday, January 19  at 8:30 p.m. The interpretive walk will begin on the beach below the County Waterfront Park in Eastsound.

Past walks have found red octopus, swarms of shrimp basking in shallow water, many sea slugs and gigantic sun stars, says Barsh. “We’ll go ahead unless the weather is really nasty–like heavy rain!”

Headlamps or flashlights, and high rubber boots or waders, are advised.  Children are welcome.  Dress warmly.

A second walk will be conducted on February 16 beginning at 8:00 p.m.  The tide will be a little lower than during the January event.

The Indian Island Marine Health Observatory schedule for 2011 is below. Barsh says, “The public is welcome all days, not just the ‘outreach’ days when we will just be providing interpretive services around the island, but research days as well. The Marine Health Observatory is the result of combined efforts of WSU Extension Beachwatchers, the Bureau of Land Management and Kwiáht, San Juan Preservation Trust, The Orcas Island School District

Low tide activities at Indian Island 2011

Invertebrate surveys: A=Shallow tidal edge; B=Far rocks; C=under rocks; D=in eelgrass