Rockweed
Fucus vesiculosus
FOUND by Pigs Might Fly 22012-10-10
Falmouth
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by chotaling
Peer reviewed by
Field Notes
It was a cloudy day and we were at the waters edge of the beach, the smell of saltwater strong in the air. For a while, all you can see is mountains of rock weed, unable to see the damp rocks underneath or the scuttling crabs. Everything that was within reach of the tide was wet and slimy. Able to hear seagulls in the distance and the sound of cars coming from a faraway road, mingling with the squeals and chatter of the groups we were with. Outside of our quadrat we saw multiple species of crabs and a lot of broken shells and pebbles. Our group did not run into any real problems except for not being able to get any great pictures at first because of a slight breeze ruffling our species, but then it stopped and we did get some good ones. As a class we wrote a question: Are there non-native species in Falmouth that are affecting the biodiversity of our ecosystems? Having the native species and seeing a great number of it, I would say it isn't right now, but things could always change!
Supporting Evidence
As you can see, you have the air-bladder (looks like a little bubble) that holds the air so that when the tide comes in, it floats closer to the surface so that it can get sunlight and provide photosynthesis for its self. Also it has the line in its leaf, unlike other species related to it.
Purple tree-like roots covered in salt water, you are able to see some of the particles of salt.
Slimy, flat looking branches that are up to the 1 meter long, also, if its splayed around after the tide goes out is how you can tell its Rockweed.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?:
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Fucus vesiculosusCommon name:
Rockweed
Is it alive?:
All alive
Count of individuals:
1-10
Coverage:
Between 1/4 and 1/2
Reproduction:
Pollinators (plants)
How big is it?:
Greater than 10 cm
Is it male or female?:
Can't tell
Sampling method:
Quadrat (user-placement)
Place Studied
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Map this species
Latitude:
N 43.731200 °
Longitude:
W -70.205800 °
Observation Site Information
Habitat:
Coastal - Beach or dune
Trip Information
Name:
Falmouth Town Landing
Trip date:
Wed, 2012-10-10 11:30
Town or city:
Falmouth
Type of investigation:
Species and Habitat Survey
Ecosystem:
Coastal
Watershed:
Presumpscot
Time of low tide:
Wed, 2012-10-10 00:31
Habitat Observations
Species diversity:
1 different species
Evidence of vectors:
Walking trail
People
Recent disturbance
Water temperature:
13.4°C
pH:
8.0
Dissolved oxygen:
8.9mg/L
Salinity:
31.4ppt
Comments
Fucus spotted!!!
Hello Pigs Might Fly 2!
Your group has provided some great evidence!! You photos are very clear and you have included some of the best descriptions I've seen! I am almost positive that you did indeed find your target species, Fucus vesiculosus, but I would be interested to know if you observed any receptacles on your specimens. You did document the presence of air bladders, but I did not see any photo evidence or comments about receptacles. If present, they can be very useful in the ID of the species!
I really like that your group also posted a question, and a very important one at that!! Unfortunately there are invasive species almost everywhere on Maine's coastlines. Have you ever heard of the Green crab, Carcinus maenas? This species is causing quite a problem for native crab species such as the Rock crab. Where do you think invasive species come from? How do you think they get here? What impacts do you think species such as the Green crab are having on your own study area?
Keep up the excellent work!
-Rachelle