PCDS

CELP

Catalina Research Project

The Catalina trip was an excellent experience to learn about all of the marine organisms that live in the Catalina ocean area. The question that we are investigating is at what depths and temperatures do kelp prefer to live. My methods for getting the data were analyzing the data received on the snorkel and kayak trips. For example, the temperatures that we took on the dock are used in my project, as well as the info collected by the depth meter. I realized that kelp likes warmer waters but not too warm. Kelp likes to have enough sunlight that it can photosynthesize, but not too much sunlight. Kelp particularly likes shallow water so it can get the sunrays. Some of the problems that I encountered during the gathering of this research were that we only showed the kelp in Howland’s Landing. We took few observations where the kelp was. If I were to return I would obtain more data to get more accurate readings. Also, I could become more specific regarding the temperatures and depths of the areas by rechecking my data. If a student in the future picks this topic I would suggest that he/she obtain more data readings for greater accuracy. If I chose a larger parameter my data may have changed because this is an isolated experiment. Also, since there are different temperatures and depths in varied areas, this experiment could result in data differing from mine. If this experiment was conducted in an El Nino year, quantity of kelp would be diminished and the temperatures would be much different than in a non El Nino year. Additionally, there would probably be a higher than normal number of predators, such as the Sea Urchin, feeding on kelp; resulting in decreased kelp. An El Nino year would drastically change the results of my experiment.