Tidepooling In the Central California Coast

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While surf fishing today, we were distracted by the tide pools. Leptaasterias hexactis, known also as the Six Rayed or Brooding Sea Star only reaches a size of slightly more than 3 inches. This particular star pictured has lost a leg to an intertidal predator. While many sea stars reproduce by broadcasting their egg and sperm into the water column, these little stars are attentive mothers. Females will stand guard over a mass of yellow eggs and then guard her young stars until they are foraging on their own.Tasty mollusks such as the Lined Chiton are considered a delicacy by these tiny echinoderms. The brooding process may take several months all while the female is fasting.

Learn more on our next extreme tidepooling adventure for families on October 19th, 2013  at http://www.bluewaterventures.org

Kayaking in Elkhorn Slough with Sea Jellies

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Imagine a huge egg cracked over an indigo blue fry pan the size of a trampoline and you have found Phacellophora camtschatica, the egg yolk sea jelly! A savory meal for the oddly shaped Mola Mola sunfish, other gelationous creatures and sea turtles, this fascintating sea jelly resides in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. While out looking for humpback whales this morning by kayak, we paddled by numerous gelantionous species such as Chrysaora colorata, formerly Pelagia colorata and commonly known as the Purple sea jelly.

Acting like a submerged spider web, the egg yolk sea jelly’s  convoluted tangle of tentacles serves to snare its prey.

Join Blue Water Ventures through-out the year as we kayak in the Elkhorn Slough and beyond. www.bluewaterventures.org

Kayak Down Under in Search of Sea Creatures

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There are those teachable moments be it in a traditional classroom or in an outdoor setting, that both student and teacher will never forget. On the final day of Coastal Kayak Explorer’s Camp we shared one of those moments.

Each summer Blue Water Ventures  based in Santa Cruz, CA  offers a variety of marine science camps. Kim Powell, owner of Blue Water Ventures leads our summer camps.  Kim has been conducting wilderness expeditions for students since 1985. She is a certified sea kayaking instructor through the American Canoe Association and Wilderness First Responder.  Kim loves sharing her knowledge of the marine world through a fun and informative approach. She has been the Director of Marine Science Camps in several  Caribbean locations in addition to Central California.

Here we go down under in Search of Sea Creatures.

Marine Science and Kayaking Camp, Santa Cruz CA

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The key to successful kayak rescues for 8-10 year olds is making it FUN and having them feel comfortable with their gear…..jump on!
Blue Water Venture’s Marine Science and Kayaking Camp offered through Gateway School’s Summer Program, Santa Cruz CA

Marine Science Kayak Camp, Santa Cruz, CA

www.bluewaterventures.org
Join Blue Water Venture’s Marine Science and Kayaking Camp based in Santa Cruz, California. During our daily educational adventures, we’ll explore the tidepools of Natural Bridges, hike among the elephant seals of Ano Nuevo, learn kayak rescue skills and enjoy a kayaking expedition to Elkhorn Slough. Our naturalist-led program includes a scavenger hunt through the touch tanks and aquarium of the Seymour Center, home to the stealthy Red Octupus!