The Marine Detective

Lost Teddy! Fluffy piece?

Here’s an item that is shared for the purposes of lightness and connection. Because, let’s face it, there’s enough dark and heavy out there. Also, maybe, just maybe it will create an opportunity for awareness about marine debris?

See the image below. Could this be the world’s saddest Teddy?

Lost Teddy! Wouldn’t it be remarkable to find out how, where and when s/he ended up in the Ocean?

My dive buddy, Natasha Dickinson, found him/her at bottom of the Ocean in Port Hardy on January 1st. Unlike so much of the debris near the dock, it is unlikely this little guy was mindlessly tossed away (see photos below).

Wouldn’t it be something to find its home and know its story? Would it enhance a sense of connection? Would the story be a catalyst to discussion, engagement and action about the insult to our Oceans that is marine debris?

Via Facebook and Twitter this information is being shared with “#‎LostTeddy”‬.

S/he has also been posted on the international Lost Teddy site (yes, there is such a thing).

Teddy is now being cleaned up for potential reuniting with humans.

XXX

Update: January 3, 2016 – It’s not a Teddy. I got this clue from that Teddy locating site”That’s Ginger Bell, originally sold by Sears in 2004! Brenda.” Sure enough – looked up a photo and, it’s Ginger Bell.

Photos below show some of the beauty striving to survive among the debris under the Seagate Dock in Port Hardy (the dive where Teddy was found). This “scene” is representative of most docks on our Coast and I am striving to raise awareness about marine debris and how, to me, this is the most stark indicator of the disconnect about the importance of the Ocean to human health. We are all vastly empowered to create positive change, not only by ensuring there is less physical pollution (litter) but by reducing use of carbon and chemicals such as pesticides (thereby reducing temperature change, acidification, toxins); and increasing knowledge and engagement about the importance, beauty and fragility of our Ocean. Reality is, what we do to the Ocean we ultimately . . . do to ourselves.

Shopping carts and plastic . . and anemones. Photo by dive buddy Alexandra Spicer.

Northern Kelp Crabs and Rose Anemone atop a big chunk of plastic. ©Jackie Hildering

Plumose Anemones just under the surface. ©Jackie Hildering; themarinedetective.ca.

Plumose Anemones just under the surface, just above the debris. ©Jackie Hildering; themarinedetective.ca.

Hooded Nudibranch on Eelgrass just under the surface near the Seagate Dock, Port Hardy. @Jackie Hildering.

Hooded Nudibranch on Eelgrass just under the surface near to mounds of debris. @Jackie Hildering.

An example of the beauty among the debris - species trying to survive amongst what most often purposely/ carelessly ends up in the Ocean. Here - egg mass laid by a Pacific Sea Lemon (nudibranch) where each dot can hatch into a larval nudibranch. Next photo, the nudibranch that likely laid the egg mass beside a beer can. ©Jackie Hildering.

A striking example of the beauty among the debris – species trying to survive amongst what most often purposely/ carelessly ends up in the Ocean – an egg mass laid by a Pacific Sea Lemon (nudibranch) where each dot can hatch into a larval nudibranch. Next photo, the nudibranch that likely laid the egg mass beside . . . a beer can. ©Jackie Hildering.

@2016 Jackie Hildering one time use -13324

Dive buddies near Giant Pink Star. Left, Natasha Dickinson. Right, Alexandra Spicer. ©Jackie Hildering; themarinedetective.ca.

Dive buddies and Giant Pink Star. Left, Natasha Dickinson. Right, Alexandra Spicer. ©Jackie Hildering.

Porpoise-full Blog!

This, like my “You Otter Know” blog, is aimed at clearing up species confusion and offering some support to my fellow marine educators.

Yes, I am writing this for much needed educational porpoises. Sorry! I will attempt to restrain myself from further bad puns (but I am counting on you, the readers, to come up with some doozies).

Oh the number of times I have had the joy of an exchange like this:
Me: “Look, a porpoise!”
Response: “Ja, ja, een delfin!” or “Oui, oui, un dauphin” or “Ja, ja, een dolfijn” or “Yes, yes, a dolphin!”.
Me (armed with images like those below): “Nein – een schweinswal” / “Non – un marsouin” / “Nee – een bruinvis” / “Nope – it really is a porpoise!”

It is so understandable that there is significant confusion. The words dolphin and porpoise were, colloquially, used as if they were synonyms into at least the 1970s.

But, dolphins and porpoises are more distinct than lions and tigers. Lions and tigers are not only in the same family but in the same genus. Dolphins and porpoises are in different families, having diverged around 15 million years ago.

The differences between porpoises and dolphins span from fin and head shape, to behaviour, vocals and average group size.

We are the environment . . .

Below, please see a collection of my images and texts I have been posting as “#OceanVoice”.

At this critical time of decision-making, they are directed at increasing hope; awareness of our connection to the environment; and positive action for the sake of greater health and happiness

Hoping they thoughts resound with you.

From the depths . . .

It is such a limitation to think, and feel, and speak in a way that this is somehow about something outside ourselves . . . saving “the environment.” We are the environment. It’s not about saving something outside ourselves . . . whales, wetlands, trees, fish. It’s about choices that benefit ourselves and future generations, providing the greatest chances for health and happiness. It’s about children. That's what all these photos and words are about here on "The Marine Detective" folks. Inspiration. Connection. Understanding our capacity for positive change. Caring More. Consuming Less. Voting for the future. And, knowing our place IN the environment. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for the above image: It is such a limitation to think, and feel, and speak in a way that this is somehow about something outside ourselves . . . saving “the environment.” We are the environment. It’s not about saving something outside ourselves . . . whales, wetlands, trees, fish. It’s about choices that benefit ourselves and future generations, providing the greatest chances for health and happiness. It’s about children. That’s what all these photos and words are about here on “The Marine Detective” folks. Inspiration. Connection. Understanding our capacity for positive change. Caring More. Consuming Less. Voting for the future. And, knowing our place IN the environment.

Vote as if you can feel the warmth of your grandchild's hand in yours. Spencer Wilson meets an Ochre Star. As so many here are aware, it is a critical time of decision-making. In this #OceanVoice album, I will share memes directed at increasing hope; awareness of our connection to the environment; and positive action for the sake of greater health and happiness. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for above image: Vote as if you can feel the warmth of your grandchild’s hand in yours. Spencer Wilson meets an Ochre Star.

Yes, I'm going there. It is a critical time of decision-making. Those that have the power now use fear as a blunt tool to perpetuate false dichotomies like jobs vs. the environment / social problems vs. environmental problems. "Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth . . . these are one and the same fight . . . Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all." What a wonderful world it would be if more would connect the dots between climate change, global health, food security, sustainable employment, children’s safety, and gender equality*. We have tremendous potential for positive change when fear is replaced with knowledge and empowerment. It is an essential time to reach out - reducing fear; connecting the dots; creating positive change. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for above image: Yes, I’m going there. It is a critical time of decision-making. Those that have the power now use fear as a blunt tool to perpetuate false dichotomies like jobs vs. the environment / social problems vs. environmental problems. “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth . . . these are one and the same fight . . . solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” What a wonderful world it would be if more would connect the dots between climate change, global health, food security, sustainable employment, children’s safety, and gender equality*. We have tremendous potential for positive change when fear is replaced with knowledge and empowerment. It is an essential time to reach out – reducing fear; connecting the dots; creating positive change.

Fear . . . such a limiting factor to positive change. A lesson learned from Killer Whales - how wrong we can be but how quickly we can change when fear and misunderstanding are replaced by knowledge and connection. Yes, fear sometimes saves lives but too often: Fear masks truth. Fear chokes potential. Fear makes us automatons, marching on, ignoring the reality around us. Fear walks hand-in-hand with disempowerment, the same neurons firing, limiting the way we look at the world and ourselves. And above all, FEAR LOATHES CHANGE. Thereby, fear is such a powerful tool to be used by those who benefit from things remaining the same. #OceanVoice - thoughts about hope, our connection to the environment, and positive action for the sake of greater health and happiness. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for above image: Fear . . . such a limiting factor to positive change. A lesson learned from Killer Whales – how wrong we can be but how quickly we can change when fear and misunderstanding are replaced by knowledge and connection. Yes, fear sometimes saves lives but too often: Fear masks truth. Fear chokes potential. Fear makes us automatons, marching on, ignoring the reality around us. Fear walks hand-in-hand with disempowerment, the same neurons firing, limiting the way we look at the world and ourselves. And above all, fear loathes change. Thereby, fear is such a powerful tool to be used by those who benefit from things remaining the same. #OceanVoice – thoughts about hope, our connection to the environment, and positive action for the sake of greater health and happiness.

When the Ocean erupts, revealing one of her giants (Ripple the female Humpback Whale breaching; BCX1063). It's an opportunity to be awash in wonder, humility, connection, and gratitude. We all depend on the Ocean and where we go from here depends upon knowing while we are so small, our value systems and daily actions have such big impacts. How we consume; how we vote; how much we recognize our great capacity for positive change and how fear of change limits this . . . it's enough to bring giants back from the brink AND increase human happiness. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for above image: When the Ocean erupts, revealing one of her giants (Ripple the female Humpback Whale breaching; BCX1063). It’s an opportunity to be awash in wonder, humility, connection, and gratitude. We all depend on the Ocean and where we go from here depends upon knowing while we are so small, our value systems and daily actions have such big impacts. How we consume; how we vote; how much we recognize our great capacity for positive change and how fear of change limits this . . . it’s enough to bring giants back from the brink AND increase human happiness.

Vitamin O. Where are you as you read this? Are you far from the Ocean's shore or feeling her waves below your feet? It doesn't matter. We are ALL part Ocean from the oxygen in our lungs (50%+); to the fluid in our veins; and many of the nutrients that build us. Our connection to the Ocean is the great common denominator of life on this blue planet. Healing, climate regulating, carbon dioxide buffering . . . life sustaining. Share the Vitamin, especially to our friends further inland? Increased awareness of the importance of the Ocean and celebrating our connection to it . . . why, it could change the world. Acknowledging how little we know, inspired by the mystery and beauty; embracing the appropriate humility and precaution in our daily actions . . . caring more, consuming less, voting for the future . . . . knowing the vital importance of Vitamin O. ©2015 Jackie Hildering; #OceanVoice; www.TheMarineDetective.ca

Caption for above image: Vitamin O. Where are you as you read this? Are you far from the Ocean’s shore or feeling her waves below your feet? It doesn’t matter. We are ALL part Ocean from the oxygen in our lungs (50%+); to the fluid in our veins; and many of the nutrients that build us. Our connection to the Ocean is the great common denominator of life on this blue planet. Healing, climate regulating, carbon dioxide buffering . . . life sustaining. Acknowledging how little we know, inspired by the mystery and beauty; embracing the appropriate humility and precaution in our daily actions . . . caring more, consuming less, voting for the future . . . . knowing the vital importance of Vitamin O.

Follow Your Dreams . . .

Follow Your Dreams – and make them count.

What’s with the stained and faded photo below?

Follow Your Dreams . . .
Northern Resident Killer Whales: Tsitika (A30, 1949 – 2013) and her son Pointer (A39, 1975 – 2014). Photo taken in 1999. ©Jackie Hildering.

Introspection alert!

This photo has been on a beloved friend’s refrigerator for almost 16 years. I sent it to my nearest and dearest as a New Year’s greeting at the end of 1999 after leaving my “career” as a teacher and school administrator in Rotterdam.

It references following my need to be learning from Nature, not speaking about it as if it were somewhere else, and to find a more effective way to enable understanding of connection and common solutions to socio-environmental problems.

It led me back to BC; to being a deckhand, and to Orca. Orca as extraordinarily powerful ambassadors of of how wrong we can be; how quickly we can change, and the repercussions of humanity gone mad with chemical use and consumerism.

It led to diving and underwater photography as part of my love of this place. When the giants returned from the brink, it led to Humpback research and cofounding the Marine Education and Research Society.

All the while, the aim continued to be making what I learned count . . . connecting to the wonder of Nature, knowing our capacity for change, acting for the wellbeing of future generations and not fuelling the powers that distract and perpetuate inequality and destruction with fear, overwhelm, and whispers that who we are, is what we own.

Today, I found myself staring back at this old photo, thinking back and reflecting forward. The two whales have now passed – Tsitika (A30, 1949 – 2013) and her son Pointer (A39, 1975 – 2014). Stained, fuzzy, faded, and slightly torn, the photo brings me back through the years, reminding me of how much I’ve learned from them and this place.

I feel fortified. There are more decisions to be made to take the path less travelled. I need to trust that I will look back in another 16 years feeling that my internal compass allowed me to navigate sometimes stormy, lonely, scary, unknown waters to land again where following dreams that are motivated by good, will lead to greater good.

For all of you who joined me along the way, from the depths . . . . thank you.

Bubbling Giants: Humpback Whales Bubble-Net Feeding

This is going to be worth the 4 minutes of viewing believe me!

Humpback Whales have many complex feeding strategies. In areas where current and birds do not force the feed together, there are Humpbacks that work as a team to corral the fish. This strategy includes an intense feeding call and making a net of bubbles.

This video was taken while I was with Pacific Wild in Caamano Sound off British Columbia’s Central Coast.

This is exactly the area where there is the potential of increased tanker traffic.

Knowing how important this area is – not only for at-risk Humpback, Fin and Killer Whales; but for human health and so much more – is a huge motivator to do all I can do reduce the demand for fossil fuels.

For more on the feeding strategies of Humpback Whales, please see our Marine Education and Research Society research at this link. It includes that we have published on a never-before-documented strategy we have dubbed “trap-feeding”.

And They Spread Their Giant Wing-Like Fins . . .

TMD Memes.001

And they spread their giant wing-like fins . . . and returned from the brink.

The whales remind us of our great capacity for positive change . . . when our value systems change and knowledge, connection and humility replace fear and misunderstanding.

The simple solution? Care More. Consume Less.

There are still so many ways to indirectly kill a whale and damage the life-sustaining seas upon which we all depend.

Image is of “Jigger” the mature female Humpback Whale who breached for 18 minutes. More images below.

You simply can’t be the same after seeing something like this, nor would I want to be.

What triggered this behaviour may have been an encounter with another Humpback (“Slash” BCX0177″) but we cannot know for sure.

For the work of our Marine Education and Research Society, please see here and yes, you can support our work by sponsoring a Humpback Whale!

From the depths . . . .

“The Marine Detective” art show at 546 Yates in Victoria. Includes a 15 min rotating slide show of images. Come in, sit down, and disappear into the depths for a little while?

It is the morning after the opening of my first art show and I am awash with a sense of gratitude and community.

As I strived to express last night in my presentation, had anyone told me way-back-when that I would ever have an art show, it would have been the equivalent of being told that I would undertake interplanetary travel.

An art show?! It was very high threshold for me because, rather than just striving to capture the mystery, beauty and fragility of the Ocean to inspire and educate, the images are being put forward as ART.

Therefore, last night was very much for me another “How did I get here?” experience.

But I do know the answer. It is because, however the magic of life works, I have been allowed to fully, deeply understand the importance of the Ocean as the life-sustaining force on the planet. And, as a teacher, enhancing the potential for our children to have healthy, happy futures will always be what gives my life direction.

“The Marine Detective” images at Art Atelier 546 in Victoria (on 546 Yates Street). Click to enlarge.

How did I get here? It has to do with geography, opportunity, difficult and daring decisions made, skills, experience and . . . you.

Please hear me. It has to do with YOU.

Wherever this is going – wherever it has gone – it is because of a force of people who share the values and objectives of “The Marine Detective” and want it to move forward.

The sense of gratitude I am overcome with this morning, and that is so difficult to express, is that I feel I am being held up by an Ocean of people . . . . those who were at the opening last night; the whispers and shouts of support and encouragement on social media; the sharing to expand the reach of the content there; the applause expressed in so many ways; the enablement of diving, photography and whale research; the sharing of calendars and prints into the world so that they might further connect others; the assistance re. potential books, webisodes, whatever . . . it’s you.

I know that The Marine Detective is a community working for greater understanding and positive action for socio-environmental good.

From the depths, thank you.

Because of you I speak louder; I dare more; I keep at it and, I stay afloat . . . gently propelled to who-knows-where.

Link to photos – here.

Photo by Andrew Topham, made possible with Melanie Wood.

Remarkable Giant Pacific Octopus and Wolf-Eel Encounter

Trust me, you are going to love the video below!

Giant Pacific Octopus passing over a mature male Wolf-Eel in his den. See video below. ©Jackie Hildering

It is one of the most remarkable encounters I have witnessed in all my dives.

It’s a fortunate enough thing to be able to watch a large Giant Pacific Octopus when it is hunting. In this encounter, the octopus passes directly over a mature male Wolf-Eel in his den. THEN, a Decorator Warbonnet emerges as well.

It was an exciting day in this wonderful marine neighbourhood.

I hope this 3-minute clip allows you to share in the awe and excitement.

For me, this was the NE Pacific Ocean equivalent of seeing a giraffe, elephant and rhino in close proximity.

Video and photos contributed by dive buddies Katie Morgan and Diane Reid while on our trip with God’s Pocket Dive Resort.

For more information on Wolf-Eels (including that they are not an eel at all), see my previous blog here.
For more information on Giant Pacific Octopuses, click here for previous blogs and here for a blog specifically on hunting in Giant Pacific Octopus.

Surely Not Again?! Tidal Turbines in Whale Epicentre? Still Hell No!

Here we go again.

It has just come to my attention that there are two applications for tenure for tidal turbines in killer whale critical habitat. This last arose in November in 2012 with my posting the blog “Tidal Turbines in Whale Epicentre? Hell No!”. The resulting media coverage, your action and the ethics of the applicant resulted in that application being withdrawn.

With these two new applications, your action is again very much needed.

The comment deadline is April 9th, 2015.

Below, I have edited my November 2012 blog to be applicable to these applications and hopefully I have succeeded in making commenting very expeditious for you.

Here goes . . . .

There are times when expletives like “Hell No!” are justified and I am sure you will agree this is one of those very unfortunate times and – your action is needed.

There are two applications for “OCEAN ENERGY / INVESTIGATIVE AND MONITORING PHASE” by Weyl Power Ltd. If accepted by the BC Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), this would allow the instalment of technical and investigative monitoring equipment in killer whale critical habitat which could then lead to turbines also being located there. I believe the applications are still referenced as “licenses of occupation“.

See the map for the location of the proposed Weyl Power sites relative to resident killer whale critical habitat as per the Recovery Strategy for Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whales in Canada.

Proposed sites relative to acknowledged northern resident killer whale critical habitat. Source of base map: BC Cetacean Sightings Network. Click to enlarge. For more on the determination of this critical habitat see Ford, J.K.B. An Assessment of critical habitats of resident killer whales in waters off the Pacific Coast of Canada. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Research Document 2006/072.

(1) Johnstone Strait between Hanson Island and Telegraph Cove (File: #1414321)

(2) Broughton Strait, western end of Malcolm Island (File: #1414325)

While I of course support initiatives to reduce the use of climate-changing fossil fuels, to have turbines in critical whale habitat would be pure, simple, total, utter insanity. No matter how advanced the turbine technology, no amount of mitigation could compensate for the noise, prey reduction, and other disturbance to the whales.

One would hope that government agencies would surely deny the applications, especially after the public outcry after the similar 2012 application in this same area. However, we have many examples of this being tragically misplaced faith and cannot count on there being any legislation in place for sound environmental assessment that would confirm environmental impacts. Note that the federal government had to be taken to court TWICE to be ordered to acknowledge and protect killer whale critical habitat – first ruling December 7, 2010; appeal ruling February 9th, 2011.

Weyl Power Application – Johnstone Strait between Hanson Island and Telegraph Cove. File: #1414321. Click to enlarge.

The very ocean current that makes this area of interest for staking a claim for ocean energy is what makes this such a rich area for marine life. The importance of this area for killer whales can be supported by almost 4 decades of data collected by Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the OrcaLab.

To allow these applications to proceed would therefore be ludicrous and in direct conflict of Objective 4 of the Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale Action Plan for Species at Risk which is to “Protect critical habitat for Resident Killer Whales and identify additional areas for critical habitat designation and protection.”

Weyl Power Application – Broughton Strait, western end of Malcolm Island. File: #1414321. Click to enlarge.

Therefore, we collectively need (again) to make our “Hell No!” heard.

Please comment by the April 9th deadline by going to these two links and scrolling down till you see “To comment on this application please click here”.

Weyl Power application for Johnstone Strait between Hanson Island and Telegraph Cove (File: #1414321) – click here.
Weyl Power application for Broughton Strait, western end of Malcolm Island (File: #1414325) – click here.

Sample text: “With regard to Land File Numbers 1414321 and 1414325, the applications for Weyl Power Ltd’s “OCEAN ENERGY / INVESTIGATIVE AND MONITORING PHASE” in the Broughton Strait to Johnstone Strait area, I write you to express that these applications for tenure must not be granted. The applications are in scientifically confirmed critical habitat for northern resident killer whales and it has been legally ruled that this must be protected as per Canada’s Species at Risk Act. In addition, the area is of great importance to humpback whales and many other marine species. No matter how advanced the turbine technology, no amount of mitigation could compensate for the noise, prey reduction, and other disturbance to the whales and to approve these applications would be in direct conflict of Objective 4 of the Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale Action Plan for Species at Risk which is to “Protect critical habitat for Resident Killer Whales and identify additional areas for critical habitat designation and protection”. It is also unacceptable that the public is not provided with information on these applications other than the applicant name and the maps i.e. no information about design or environmental assessment process.”
You may even want to reference this blog and provide the link e.g. “For further details of the reasons for my great objection to this application see the rationale and resources provided at http://wp.me/pPW6V-1cJ.

Please also help spread the word?

So much insanity . . . so little time.

References:

Bigg, M.A., I.B. MacAskie and G. Ellis. 1976. Abundance and movements of killer whales off eastern and southern Vancouver Island, with comments on management. Arctic Biol.Sta., Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. 20 pp.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Final Amended Recovery Strategy for the Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Ottawa. 2008. ix+ 81 pp.
Ford, J.K.B. An Assessment of critical habitats of resident killer whales in waters off the Pacific Coast of Canada. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Research Document 2006/072.
Polagye, B., B. Van Cleve, A. Copping, and K. Kirkendall (editors). 2011. Environmental effects of tidal energy development. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS F/SPO-116, 186 p.
Johnstone Strait Limits of Acceptable Change Pilot Project.
North Island Straits Coastal Plan (reference to “critically important habitat” Section 2, page 21.
Forests, Lands and Natural Resources’ Land Use Operational Policy – Ocean Energy Projects.

Media Coverage:

Take Part; March 22, 2015; “The Clean-Energy Project That Could Harm Endangered Killer Whales – A mystery firm wants to build underwater power turbines in critical orca habitat off Canada’s Pacific coast“

Underwater Smoking Log and the Worm That is Not a Worm?

Submerging into the dark, you never know what you are going to see.

It is a large part of what is so intoxicating about diving in cold, dark waters – all the mystery; all the wonder; all the opportunity for learning and sharing.

So what was it today?

This – a smoking log at about 6 m depth!

Teredo navalis spawning. March 8, 2015 ©Jackie Hildering.

The “smoke” was brief but intense and of course it was not smoke at all. It was the spawn of some animal. Many marine invertebrates are broadcast spawners where all individuals in an area release their sex cells at the same time to enhance the chances of fertilization.

I knew the source of the “smoke” had to be a shipworm species since it was coming from a rotting log with lots of tunnels bored into it. I then had to do a bit of reading to be sure of whether it was the invasive Naval Shipworm (Teredo navalis), or the indigenous Northwest Shipworm (Bankia setacea).

Either way, shipworms are not worms at all!

Northwest Shipworm Source: MARINE WOOD BORERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA; D. B. Quayle; 1992

Shipworms are saltwater clams. They look like a worm in a calcareous tube but have two small shells at the front of their bodies that are specialized to bore through wood, much to our dismay! The clams also have symbiotic bacteria that release an enzyme to help break down the cellulose in the wood.

I believe in this case it was the Northwest Shipworm that was spawning and the initial cue for the synchronous release of sex cells in this species is believed to be a sudden change in temperature or salinity. Once the spawn begins, it is believed that neighbouring Northwest Shipworms drawing water into their siphons detect the spawn and that this further triggers them to release their sex cells.

The Northwest Shipworm it is more common in BC than the Naval Shipworm; the tunnels in the wood looked like those caused by this species; but also relevant in my knowing it was this species is that I saw eggs being released as well as sperm.

With the oh-so-successful Naval Shipworm that originated in the Atlantic but is now boring through wood in all the world’s oceans, only the males release sex cells. Sperm are then drawn into females’ inhalant siphons; the eggs are fertilized and develop in the female’s gills in huge numbers to be released as free-swimming larvae.

Northwest Shipworms spawning. The white material on the logs is known as “frass”- waste discharged through the clams’ excurrent siphons. March 8, 2015 ©Jackie Hildering.

The Northwest Shipworm does not have this reproductive strategy. With both genders broadcast spawning, you can imagine how many sex cells need to be released for successful reproduction.

After about 3 weeks (at 12 – 15°C), the Northwest Shipworm larvae appear to be able to detect wood. They attach themselves, soften the wood, bore into it, develop into adults and cause economic discontent in we humans. This is especially the case in the logging industry which depends on transporting and storing wood in the Ocean.

Apparently the Northwest Shipworm can burrow 10 cm per month at temperatures greater than 10°C. See here for examples of the damage to wood by this species. If you are a Northern Vancouver Islander, you can see how this wood has been used as a decorative wall covering in the Whale Interpretive Centre.

For me, there was no discontent today. It was a wonder to be swimming by at the exact time this species was spawning. Providing me with a further opportunity to . . . smoke out facts about our marine life and share them with you!