Field work in Tairua

From Monday 9 March - Thursday 12 March I was in Tairua helping out with some field work and processing of samples.  Below is the blurb copied directly from Rebecca's email:

"I am interested in how crabs process marine plant leaf detritus in the sediments. So, in addition to having crab treatments in the cages, I will add some seagrass leaf material to see how crabs facilitate it's breakdown and decay"

We all worked hard testing pumps and batteries, setting up the cages, taking and processing water and sediment samples then pulling it all down and setting it up in the next area.

 

Gems from this experience:

 



It is impossible to carry out investigations on your own
Nature does not work in with human sleep patterns
Scientists are extremely careful with their delicate equipment
Through repetition (sieving, changing filter paper) we get better at tasks