Fish Station

We will collect a sample of bottom-dwelling fish by towing a net near the seabed. Once the fish are on board, we will transfer them to tanks for observation. We will use an identification key to identify particular species, and we will figure out if the fish we find are in their normal range (their normal living area) versus whether they are exotic species (species that are not normally found in this area). Exotic species may be present during El Nino events, and may indicate a deviation from normal oceanographic conditions.

Letting out the net to begin the fish trawl.

The net is pulled up by an electric winch until it gets close to the boat—and then it’s all crew power!

The net coming on board. Sometimes the net is filled with hundreds of fish.

This is a common flatfish found in the area. It is born with one eye on each side of its head, like other fish, but as it grow up one eye migrates to the other side so it ends up with two eyes on top!

CLICK HERE to return to the main STATIONS page.

Modified from pages developed by John Turbeville.