News From the Field: Polychaete Float Trip, August 2009

Front Row (left-right): Scott Foot, Josh Strange, Rick Stocking, Jerri Bartholomew, Charlene Hurst, Gordon Grant, Michael Grant (foreground); Back Row: Adam Ray, Rocky, ;Photographer: Peggy Wilzbach

Members of the Bartholomew lab recently participated in a research trip to the Klamath River.  Dr. Jerri Bartholomew along with graduate students Adam Ray, Charlene Hurst and Michelle Jordan packed up camping and sampling gear and headed to Tree of Heaven campsite on August 3, 2009 for a two-day float trip down the Klamath.  Dr. Bartholomew and company were met by Dr. Gordon Grant (professor of Geosciences and Forest Engineering & Science, OSU and Research Hydrologist, USFS), Dr. Peggy Wilzbach (professor of Fisheries Biology, Humbolt State), Dr. Scott Foot (Program Director, USFWS California/Nevada Fish Health Center), Richard Stocking (Fish Health Specialist, ODFW) and representatives of the Yurok Indian Tribe including Fisheries Biologist Josh Strange.

The purpose of the trip was two-fold and centered on Manayunkia speciosa, the polychaete host of the fish parasite Ceratomyxa shasta.  All participants have an interest in the distribution and monitoring of M. speciosa but methodology for sampling has varied over time and by project, complicating comparisons across studies.   The first goal therefore was to discuss and demonstrate different sampling techniques and assess them for applicability.  Graduate student Charlene Hurst will soon be sampling for polychaetes at her research sites on the Williamson River, and this discussion proved helpful for her planning.  The second goal was to develop a physical context for the master's project of new graduate student Michelle Jordan.  Michelle is dual majoring in Microbiology and Water Resources Science and is advised by both Dr. Bartholomew and Dr. Grant.  Her project will be focused on understanding the physical and hydrologic determinants of Manayunkia speciosa habitat and modeling the effects of different flows on habitat.  The trip was an opportunity to learn from individuals with valuable experience with the system and to stimulate discussion about project directions. 

The weather cooperated with plenty of sun and a downstream wind.  There were no major mishaps or sunburns and there was plenty of polychaete conversation, both on the river and at dinnertime.  The Bartholomew lab would like to extend many thanks to all the participants for their time, effort and expertise.  A special thank-you to the Yurok tribe who provided all of the rafting equipment including guides.

Author: Michelle Jordan

Photo credits: J Bartholomew