senseofplaceriz's Journal

The organism that i observed was a harbor seal. Me and my ecology Lab partner were painting snails for marking and recapturing them for our class and to get statistical data over the next two weeks. We were walking by the edge of the harbor as it was a nice sunny day (FINALLY SUMMER IS SETTING IN!) and it was at this moment this adorable harbor seal came right on the edge of the dock walkway where it was bobbing its head to inspect us , I think it was just curious. We did not see the big pod of harbor seals until they were breaching and playing with each-other some 50-70 m towards the docks from where we spotting the first individual seal. This was a fun experience for me as it was my first time ever looking at a harbor seal. I was trying not to let my intrusive thought win as all i felt like doing in that moment was petting it.
I learnt that harbor seals are actually “true seals” and that they are much smaller compared to other seals like the stellar sea lion . I did not know that one way to distinguish them to confirm that it actually is a harbor seal is to look at not only their size but their two types of patterns that are the light grey sides and belly with dark blotches and the other type is a dark skin with light rings around them. Additionally, the way they move I find very adorable as their joints are fused and used flippers to loco-mote and “move awkwardly by undulating in a caterpillar like motion because their pelvic bones are fused”
“Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina).” Request Rejected, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=harborseal.main. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.
The relationship between Alaska Natives and harbor seals, known as "ʼamuyuq" in the Inupiaq language, is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and subsistence practices. For thousands of years, harbor seals have been revered for their intelligence and resilience, playing a vital role in the subsistence lifestyle of Alaska Native communities along the coast. Seal hunting has been a traditional practice, providing not only food but also clothing and materials for tools and crafts.

This cultural connection continues to be strong today, but it is also evolving in response to conservation efforts and changing environmental conditions. Conservation organizations and government agencies are working collaboratively with Alaska Native communities to ensure the sustainable management of harbor seal populations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural traditions while safeguarding the marine environment.

Sources:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. "Subsistence Uses of Seals in Alaska." https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=soundswild.main
Sources: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (2020). Harbor Seal. Retrieved from https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=harborseal.main Huntington, H. P. (2000). Using traditional ecological knowledge in science: Methods and applications. Ecological Applications, 10(5), 1270-1274. National Park Service. (n.d.). Alaska Native Cultures. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/alaska-native-cultures.htm

The organism for this weeks post I have chosen is the King Crab me and my lab partner stubbled across and made friends with the local fishermen out on the docks opposite the forbidden peak brewery. This is something i have always wanted to see in person as they are not only pretty intimidating to look at but also very scary to touch as they enormous size. One of the fisherman's name was Kaden and he told me that its finally the season to fish for these crabs and that him and his buddies have been fishing for these crabs for the last 17 years. Specially since its going to be tourist season real soon they are fishing them now and can find them in more abundance. I was offered to pick it up but i chickened out as I saw that the fishermen were wearing gloves and I had nothing on my hands and did not want to make a fool of myself in the moment about how to hold them. I later on the walk back home regretted not holding them as it would have a made an awesome photo. But the good news is I got Kadens number and told him about my passion for orcas and he said during one of the weekends when I am free to text him and we could go out on his boat!!!wohooo i I finally have a friend with a boat lol. The species name for these crabs are (Paralithodes camtschaticus) and can grow upto "11 inches and a five foot leg span."This crustacean in terms of sense of place holds itself the title of the most important commercially fished animal , I could see that as the tourist special restaurant Tracy's crab shack ( I have never been there as its super expensive) is a major tourist attraction for all the tourists not only that come on the cruise ships but in general and its fresh caught so that makes it even more desirable. Another factor for these beautiful burgundy crabs is economic as for some Native Alaskan communities, commercial king crab fishing is a vital source of income. The crab fishing industry provides employment opportunities and supports the local economy.
The other more science based is , its ecosystem role: King crabs play a significant role in the marine ecosystem, which is closely connected to the cultural and spiritual beliefs of many Native Alaskan communities. They have a deep respect for the natural world and understand the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem. I am hoping i can save up enough money to actually try these crabs this summer ;D

Citations with url attached as-well
"Red King Crab, Paralithodes camtschaticus, Alaska Department of Fish and Game." Alaska Department of Fish and Game, n.d., www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=redkingcrab.printerfriendly.

"Red King Crab." NOAA Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/red-king-crab.

While exploring the tide pools outside Anderson Labs in Juneau, Alaska, I was captivated by the diverse array of marine life that thrived in the intertidal zone. Among the numerous invertebrates and crustaceans that populated the rocky shores, one creature stood out—the Pagurus armatus, or armed hermit crab. This particular hermit crab caught my attention not only for its striking appearance but also for its unique feeding behavior. Unlike many of the other crabs in the tide pool, the P. armatus is a filter feeder, using its specialized appendages to sift through the water for microscopic food particles.
The discovery of this hermit crab among its fellow crustaceans sparked my interest in the intricate ecosystem of the intertidal zone. The tide pool was teeming with life, with various species of crabs, snails, and other marine organisms going about their daily activities. However, it was the P. armatus that I found most intriguing. Its delicate filter-feeding mechanism and its role in the tide pool's ecosystem fascinated me, highlighting the complexity and interconnectedness of life in Alaska's coastal environments. I was just ecstatic to see the hermit crab move around , I wanted to upload the video but I do not think this app allows for videos , if any of you guys do find out how to get that done please let me know , you have to see the way it carries out locomotion just adorable and menacing at the same time. However, enough about my obsession with the hermit crab, these crabs have a big role to play in the food web not just here in juneau alaska but also in their geographical range which is what makes them slightly ecologically successful than the other species in their family.

1. Wicksten, Mary K. "Creature Feature: Deepwater Hermit Crab." Texas A&M University, 22 Sept. 2015.

Mary K. Wicksten's study on the deepwater hermit crab highlights its significant ecological role in the marine ecosystem. She discusses the unique adaptations of this species, such as its specialized appendages and behavior, which allow it to thrive in deepwater habitats (Wicksten). These adaptations enable the deepwater hermit crab to fulfill important ecological functions, such as scavenging and nutrient cycling, contributing to the overall health and balance of the marine environment. Wicksten's research provides valuable insights into the ecological importance of the deepwater hermit crab and its role in maintaining marine biodiversity.

1. Williams, Jason D., and John J. McDermott. "Hermit crab biocoenosis: a worldwide review of the diversity and natural history of hermit crab associates."

Jason D. Williams and John J. McDermott's study on hermit crab biocoenosis emphasizes the ecological significance of hermit crabs and their associates in marine ecosystems. They discuss how hermit crabs provide habitats for a variety of other organisms, such as anemones and barnacles, creating complex and biodiverse communities (Williams and McDermott). These biocoenosis play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics, enhancing the overall productivity and resilience of coastal ecosystems. Williams and McDermott's research underscores the importance of hermit crabs in maintaining the ecological balance of marine environments worldwide.

URL If anyone wants to read more in depth :).

https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/ex1504/logs/sept22/sept22.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098104001133