BMSC Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

Field Experiences

Oceanography and Biodiversity in Grappler Inlet (2 hours)

Travel up Grappler Inlet in one of our skiffs and experience being an oceanographer! This tranquil inlet provides the backdrop for an examination of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the ocean.

Oceanographic measurements are taken at two locations: the head and the mouth of the inlet. At each location, you will get the opportunity to measure turbidity, temperature, and salinity. You will discuss and compare their data between the two locations, and hypothesize reasons behind any differences. At one of the two locations, plankton will be collected using a fine meshed net. Most plankton cannot be seen with the naked eye; In the Plankton lab you will get the exciting opportunity to explore and analyze your sample with a microscopic examination.

Research Vessel MV Alta (1.25 hours) 

A boat trip to the Deer Group Islands on the MV Alta includes sampling from the subtidal environment, as well as marine mammal and bird observation along the way. A dredge net sampling from the sea floor yields a diversity of organisms including sea stars, urchins, crabs, and sea cucumbers. Every catch is different, and you never know what you might see out there!  (Maximum 12 people per trip)

Life under the Docks (0.75 hours)

This activity is paired with the Alta trip. You will explore and interact with the life that can be found right under BMSC’s docks. Expect to learn about biofouling, how/why organisms may settle onto docks, and encounter a variety of organisms including anemones, tube worms, sea stars, mussels, and more.

Research Vessel Barkley Star (1-2 hours)

Brady’s Beach Intertidal Exploration (3-4 hours)

With its picturesque sea stacks and sandy and rocky shores, Brady’s Beach is a wonderful place to explore the intertidal zone and see marine organisms in their natural environment. The overall theme of this trip is intertidal ecology, and we time your visit to occur during low tide. Brady’s Beach is an ideal site to conduct quantitative tide pool studies such as mapping and calculating diversity, qualitative observation of interactions between living things, learning about tidal and zonation processes, and even kelp forest ecology and seaweed diversity. There’s so much to see, you’ll never want to leave this beach!

Eagle Bay (3 hours)

Eagle bay is a semi-exposed rocky shore, making it an ideal habitat for a diverse collection of intertidal animals and seaweeds. You will get the opportunity to explore under rocks, pick the brains of our educators and gently handle animals! This is also a great location for reflective time- the crashing waves provide great background ambience for quiet contemplation!

Bioluminescence (0.5 hours)

This short but magical field trip is conducted at night off the BMSC dock. It is an opportunity to see the water glow! When phytoplankton are disturbed, a chemical reaction occurs. One of the products of this chemical reaction is a visible flash of green light. Knowing the science behind it does not detract from the magic of seeing bioluminescence first hand. Bioluminescence is best observed on calm days during the Spring, Summer and Fall, but is often less visible during or just after a big rainstorm.
This tour is self-guided but we will give you both instructions and safety info!

Temperate Rainforest Ecology (2 hours)

Experience a guided walk in the coastal temperate rainforest. Our forest path meanders through old growth before entering into second growth, allowing students to compare the two. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to teach their peers on the identification, biology, and traditional cultural uses (ethnobotany) of our local flora and fauna! See if you can spot any Culturally Modified Trees, and be sure to bring your boots. It wouldn’t be a rainforest trail without a lot of mud!

Kiixin Village Tour (4 hours)

Kiixin is an sacred ancient Huu-ay-aht village that has been inhabited for over 5000 years, and is the only known remaining first nations traditional village on the west coast of southern British Columbia. This tour, which is led by a local Huu-ay-aht guide, will take you through stunning old growth rainforest and rugged beaches. You will visit the archeological remains of the village, all while your guide will share some the history, traditions, and songs of Kiixin and the Huu-ay-aht first nation.

*This once-in-a-lifetime trip does have an extra cost associated with it, please asks us for more details while we build your itinerary!

Art in Nature (2 hours): 

Despite often being viewed as separate disciplines, science and art are crucially connected. Artistic practices are important tools to enhance our scientific understanding and communication. This activity emphasizes this connection- students will utilize various techniques such as scientific illustration, cyanotyping, printmaking, and poetry using species and tools found in our own backyard!

Laboratory Study

Invertebrate Diversity Lab (1.5-2 hours)

This lab provides a hands on introduction to our diverse collection of live marine vertebrates that are native to Barkley Sound. Students will be introduced to the intertidal zone, classification systems, as well as the unique characteristics of each species. This lab is a great introduction to the organisms that students will observe in the field during beach trips and while sampling subtidally from our research vessels!

Experimental Marine Biology Lab (around 3 hours)

Using the scientific method as a guideline, students will design, plan, and run their own experiments using the invertebrates we have available in the lab. This is a great opportunity for students to design and troubleshoot their own research project from scratch, and learn about the behaviour of marine organisms. Presentations of results and conclusions follow the completion of the experiments. This is a rewarding lab for those students who would like to experience the many aspects of scientific research; by the end of the lab, students will feel satisfied with the feat they have accomplished – as well as brimming with more questions to investigate!

Seaweed Ecology Lab (1 – 2 hours)

This lab focuses on the identification, ecology, and human uses of a selection of the West Coast’s 600+ species of macroalgae. With live specimens in the lab, students can handle the algae as they practice using a dichotomous key to identify species, while also learning the role of algae in the marine food web, and the importance of a kelp forest ecosystem. This lab is a valuable introduction to intertidal field studies, and you would be hard-pressed to find so many species of seaweed anywhere else.

Plankton Lab (1.5 – 2 hours)

This lab serves as a follow-up activity to the oceanography field trip, and is an eye-opening discovery of a secret world of tiny ocean critters. A brief lecture focuses on the major groups biology of plankton found in Barkley Sound, their biology, and how plankton plays a role in our lives (Red Tide, bioluminescence, productivity). Students are then equipped with microscopes and identification guides and tasked to explore and identify the huge diversity of plankton species in their sample. Prepare to be amazed as you find out what really lives in a drop of seawater!

Reproduction of Marine Invertebrates (1 hour initial lab, plus ~10min each day for embryo checks)

This lab highlights the spectrum of strategies that organisms have adapted to overcome the challenges of reproducing in the ocean. In one-hour, students will observe the fusion of invertebrate egg and sperm, the formation of a fertilization envelope, and will set up a culture of developing embryos (sea urchin or sand dollar, depending on the time of year) to observe throughout the duration of their stay. Subsequent daily observations of “the babies” allow students to create a timeline that tracks echinoderm embryo development, which is surprisingly similar to human embryo development. (This lab is only available during 4-night stays)

Workshops

Web of Life (1 hour)

This short workshop emphasizes the connectivity of our marine ecosystems and introduces students to the importance of biodiversity. and various ecological concepts. Students will then step into the role of one of the many organisms local to Barkley sound to create their own food web (web of life). This game is flexible, and can be used to highlight different aspects of marine ecology based on the interests/objectives of your group!

Conservation Case Studies (2 hours)

Conservation is an important initiative to encourage in young people but can be met with frustration due to lack of resources, information, or inspiration. This workshop strives to inform and encourage students to think critically about the issues involved. Topics such as habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, climate change, over-exploitation and the various COSEWIC status listings (endangered, threatened, special concern, extirpated, extinct) in Canada are discussed in an open forum.  Students then examine the biology of a particular species at risk, the threats to its survival, learn which conservation measures are in place, and brainstorm ways students can help.

Ocean plastics: Using seabirds as indicators of ecosystem health (2 hours)

Students will learn how to identify several species of seabirds and aquatic birds, and will examine the characteristics that make birds adapted to survive on the ocean. They will then perform case studies using replicas of stomach contents to answer the question “Is this species a good indicator of plastic pollution?” Students must consider the feeding strategy, habitat, and range of each bird, and perform an analysis of the stomach contents in order to find the answer. This workshop serves as an opportunity to learn more about birds, and also raises awareness about the challenging problem of ocean pollution.

Slideshows

Marine Mammal Slideshow (1 hour)

Enjoy a virtual survey of the marine mammals inhabiting the waters around Bamfield.  This comprehensive slide show includes the pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), the mustelids (sea otters), and cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, and whales). Fascinating details about each group, combined with sound clips, bone specimens, and pelts, make this slide show engaging and thought provoking. And you never know, maybe you’ll spot some of these animals live during your field trips!

Deep Sea (1-2 hours)

The deep sea accounts for 90% of our ocean- it is the largest habitat on our planet! This slideshow will introduce students to local deep sea areas and exploration efforts. You will then explore some of the fascinating inhabitants within the layers of the deep sea, as well as how they adapt to the extreme darkness, temperature, and pressure conditions within their home!