Hobbs Lab Participates in WFC 120L Bodega Bay Field Trip

The Hobbs Lab recently participated in the annual Bodega Bay field trip, part of the Laboratory in Biology and Conservation of Fishes class (WFC 120L) run by Dr Andrew Rypel at UC Davis. The trip gives undergraduate students a hands on learning experience in the field, as well as a glimpse at possible future research opportunities. A rotation of students joined the Hobbs Lab crew, consisting of Christina Parker, Micah Bisson and Jonathon Kuntz, for five-minute otter trawling on our research vessel, the LONSME.

Safety Talk on RV LONSME

Otter Trawl Discussion on RV LONSME

Instructors waiting for students

Matt Young discussing fish with students

Students were enthused and ready to get their hands dirty! After capture, specimens were transported to aerated holding tanks on shore for educational lectures by Dr Rypel, Dr Matt Young, Leah Mellinger, Christine Parisek and Denise Columbano.

Bodega Bay is known for its coastal or offshore rockfish and crab fisheries; however, its highly productive inshore habitats are just as, if not more, diverse. Adapted for camouflage within sea grass, the Penpoint gunnel (Apodichthys flavidus) and Eelgrass sea hare (Phyllaplysia taylori) were common species found in the shallow intertidal eelgrass beds, while Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) and Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) were species commonly found in the deeper mudflat channels.

Opalescent nudibranchs (Hermissenda opalescens)

Sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus)

Other species of interest captured were Opalescent nudibranchs (Hermissenda opalescens), Sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus), and Opalescent inshore squid (Doryteuthis opalescens).

Overall, the Bodega Bay field trip was a complete success for both students and educators. We can’t wait to participate in future education opportunities for our students in the UC Davis community!

Jonathon Kuntz