Today I began my project by gathering all of my necessary materials for my first Biocube in Key Largo, including, but not limited to: waterproof paper, Biocubes, cameras, oxygenators, a microscope, and many plastic cups. Once I gathered all of my materials I set up my lab in a cool, dark, place away from sunlight to protect the animals from damage. Next, I began writing up identification numbers on the waterproof paper for each species while taking photographs of the specimens. Since my first Biocube will be in Sargassum offshore, I have decided to identify the species as SAR_001, SAR_002, and so on. In preparation I did come across an issue, how I would make my Biocube float and how I could stabilize it. After some thinking and a quick trip to the store, I was ready to assemble my Biocube. I stabilized the joints with waterproof silicon, something sturdy and non-permanent, and finished it off with a coat of green spray paint. To make sure the Biocube floated I securely outfitted each corner with two fishing bobbers on fishing line. As long as the weather stays calm, I will be ready for tomorrow!
|
Olivia Cohen
Welcome to my blog for my senior project, An Investigation in Marine Biodiversity: Florida Keys. Over the summer I will be conducting four Biocubes (further explained in "About") in several locations in the Florida Keys. |