Marine Life Study Cruises August 24, 2010

During each 2 1/2-hour cruise, animals are collected from different water levels and bottom habitats of the Long Island Sound. A video microscope provides a magnified look at wriggly plankton gathered at the sunlit surface, a biodredge reveals a hidden world of snails, worms and tiny crabs from the muddy bottom, and everyone inspects the trawl net's bounty, which is different every cruise. Maritime Aquarium educators are on hand to involve participants in the processes, from poking through the mud sample in search of crabs and worms to helping to pull in the trawl net. Participants will also learn how the Marine Life Study Cruises contribute to local scientific research.