5 minute read
Do you sea life? We sure do!
BY JOSH PERSSON
Vancouver Island’s waters are home to some of the most unique sea creatures on Earth. You will get a chance to discover more about the octopus and other sea creatures living in our waters at the Sea Life Celebration, happening at the Ladysmith Community Marina on August 13, where you will be introduced to the sea life found at Ladysmith Harbour. The theme this year is the Paci fic octopus
The Sea Life Celebration this year includes the previous years’ events as well as some new ones. There will be touch tanks, art projects, an underwater camera, science displays and music. Refreshments for children are free. You will also have the opportunity to take out one of the heritage rowing boats.
The activities will take place at the big tent in front of the Welcome Centre at the Maritime Museum and Sea Life Centre. This festival is a great way to learn more about our local sea life and spark interest in kids that can last a lifetime, states Richard Wiefelspuett, executive director of Ladysmith Maritime Society.
The theme this year is octopus.
Pacific Octopus
Why do we fi nd octopuses so fascinating? Octopuses show lots of interesting features: they have a funnel for jet propulsion, adaptive skin for camou flage, an ink sack to fend off predators, three hearts and pulsating veins, big eyes that are very similar to our human eyes, an elaborate brain and prehensile arms with some mind of their own.
Here are some more interesting critters you can find in our local waters.
Sea Stars
Ochre sea stars come in a variety of colours, from pink, purple, brown, orange and yellow. Recently the population of sun flower sea stars has fallen rapidly due to a disease, but their numbers are slowly recovering. Ochre sea stars have been known to live up to 20 years and can grow about 20 centimetres in length!
Barnacles
Barnacles aren’t just spiky growths; they serve an important purpose in the ocean’s ecosystem by filtering the water and feeding on the micro-organisms inside. Even the simplest of sea creatures can serve an important role. Did you know that barnacles are closely related to crabs and lobsters as well?
Sculpin
Tidepool sculpin are small spiny fish that often like to hide in tidal pools. You’ve likely caught a few if you’ve spent some time at the beach, as it is common to fish for, and they make good fun for kids or even adults to catch. These fish will try to eat nearly anything, making them a particularly easy catch. You may know these fish as bullhead, which is a very similar fish species often found in rivers and lakes. The two fish are mistaken for their similar appearance and attitude.
Jelly fish
Jelly fish come in many different varieties, but two are the most common in the local area. First is the moon jelly fish, which come in a see-through or misty white colour variation. These jelly fish are mostly harmless; their stings being incredibly tiny and almost unnoticeable to humans, and thus they are safe to touch (always wash your hands after touching and never touch a jellyfish if you are unsure what kind it may be!). The red jelly fish, also known as the lion’s mane jelly fish, vary in species across our coastlines, but most of these species are NOT safe to touch! These jelly fish can cause immense pain and leave lasting issues, such as infection. If you see a red jelly fish, observe it from a healthy distance.
Sea Snails
Have you ever found a rubber-like collar in the ocean? You might be surprised to fi nd that this isn’t discarded plastic garbage, but instead the egg casing of a moon snail. These snails burrow under the sand and excrete a mucus that sticks to the sand, forming a ring around their shells where they then lay eggs. These casings stay buried in the sand, camou flaged by their sandy exterior.
The Sea Life Celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking will be along Oyster Bay Drive, and the LMS golf carts will be available to shuttle visitors. Even if you can’t make it to the Sea Life Celebration, you can visit the Sea Life Centre at the Ladysmith Community Marina where the summer staff can help answer any questions you may have.
