Native SpeciesRockweed

Fucus vesiculosus
FOUND by ClimateChange12012
2012-09-20
Cape Elizabeth
ID Questioned
Quality checked by Keirstan F.
Peer reviewed by Danae S.
Field Notes
We placed our quadrat in a tidal pool about three yards away from the receding rocky intertidal waters. In order to observe and record some species we were required to disturb the rock and seaweed formations within the quadrat. Both the Rock Weed and Chain Sea Squirt were found growing on the rocks. The sea squirt was predominate on the underside of the rocks while the rock weed was growing on top of the rocks. Multiple crabs were found, both dead and alive, but non were the Asian Shore Crab.
Supporting Evidence
Photo of my evidence.
Though the Rock Weed present in our quadrat appears more stunted than other Rock Weed throughout the intertidal zone, it is clear that there are the beginnings of a dichotomous branch pattern. It also resembles the example photo of Rock Weed in its color: dark green with a lighter green center. At the base there seems to be pea sized bladders forming.
Photo of my evidence.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?: 
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Fucus vesiculosus
Common name:
Rockweed
Sampling method: 
Quadrat (user-placement)
Photo of our sampling method.
Place Studied
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Map this species
Latitude: 
N 43.560800 °
Longitude: 
W -70.220170 °
Observation Site Information
A photo of our study site.
Habitat: 
Coastal - Rocky intertidal
Trip Information
Name:
Kettle Cove
Trip date: 
Thu, 2012-09-20 09:00
Town or city: 
Cape Elizabeth
Type of investigation: 
Species Survey
Ecosystem: 
Coastal
Watershed: 
Presumpscot
Time of low tide: 
Tue, 2011-09-20 08:30

Comments

Submitted by RachellePino on Fri, 2012-10-12 08:13.

Little Specimens!!

Hello ClimateChange12012,

You have provided some good photo evidence and descriptions of what you observed. Those specimens are definitely Fucus species, but because they are so small, it is hard for me to say whether or not they are your target species, Fucus vesiculosus. Were there any larger specimens in your quadrat? Did you notice any spiral growth patterns? I am impressed that you were able to detect the tiny air bladders forming!

Good job!
Rachelle

Submitted by ClimateChange12012 on Wed, 2012-09-26 07:53.

Rockweed Survival!

They were indeed tiny, though there were plenty larger specimens in the area. I'm no expert, but I think they will make it. They were well attached to the rock and many other small seaweeds were present. I'm not sure about your question pertaining to annuals and perennials.

Submitted by outandabout on Mon, 2012-09-24 17:09.

rockweed youth

Those are tiny specimens. Do you think these seaweeds will make it? It seems like most local plants start to germinate and grow in the spring. For some land plants, the annuals, their life is about to end. I am not sure about seaweeds. Are some species annuals and other species perennials (come back each year)? Do you think these seaweeds will survive the winter? Do you think the specimens you saw in the area varied in age by weeks, months, or years?