FUN UNDER THE FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK 7-23-17

Life under the ferry dock is different than that on the open exposed beach.  The dock provides shade from the sun, protection from rain and cooler air temperature than on the open beach on hot summer days.  In addition there is somewhat different water circulation due to the ferry wake each time the ferry departs the dock.  These factors may be responsible for the differences we see in animal populations under the dock as opposed to those on the adjacent beach.
Some noticeable differences include:   Increased number of  Purple, and Leather sea stars, Geoduck clams, sea pens, and compound tunicates.  Sea Stars under the dock also are much larger than those seen on the beach....and likely have survived sea star wasting disease, although some have been infected.  

Under the Ferry Dock

Purple Stars and Tunicates

Chiton

Barnacles

Tunicate

Leather Star

Mottled Anemone

Northern Kelp Crab with eggs

Barnacle encrusted Kelp Crab (female with eggs)

Sea Pen

Giant Pacific Barnacle (first observed in 2008)

Giant Pacific Barnacle

Tunicates and Kelp Crabs

Large Purple Star

Jointed Tube Worm with Hydroids 

Sea Lemon

Kelp Crab Purple Star and Tunicates

Giant Pacific Barnacle with Tube worms attached

Mottled Anemone

Chiton (Smooth Mopalia)

Smooth Mopalia

Lined Nudibranch

Geoduck

Sea Pen and Lined Nudibranch

Sunflower Star

Lion's Mane Jellyfish (damaged)

Kelps

Eelgrass

Mussels

Pacific Gaper Clam

Tiny Moon Snail

Tiny Moon Snail

Sea Pen

Sea Anemone

Lined Nudibranch