Käyttäjän senseofplaceriz päiväkirja

As the Alaskan summer begins to thaw the last vestiges of winter in Juneau, the days stretch longer, and the veil of cold recedes. Today, just outside my workplace, nature graced me with a serene encounter – a deer, unfazed by the hustle of our human lives, contentedly feeding on the dandelions that had reclaimed the ground. It’s that time of year, when the wildlife in Juneau reminds us of their quiet coexistence with us. Watching the deer, a picture of calm and ease amidst the wildflowers, was a gentle pause in my day. These moments are not unfamiliar in my life, yet each one brings a unique touch of wonder and a reminder of the world beyond our constructed walls. But as the clock hands moved, so too did I have to, back to the responsibilities waiting inside.

In Alaska, these beautiful creatures, known as Sitka black-tailed deer, are both admired in the wild and managed as game species. With the deer hunting season generally starting in August and ending in late December or early January, hunters take to the units where regulations permit harvesting bucks and/or does. These regulations ensure the sustainable management of deer populations and hunters must follow specific guidelines and obtain necessary permits (A-Z Animals).

Roadkill and hunting incidents are part of the challenges faced by wildlife populations. As such, Alaskan authorities enforce strict hunting regulations to ensure safety and conservation. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game outlines that shooting across roads or highways is not allowed and emphasizes the use of weapons in a responsible manner to avoid accidents and overharvesting (DeerSeason.Org).

Ciatations-

Alaska Department of Fish and Game. "Sitka Black-tailed Deer Hunting Information." Alaska Department of Fish and Game, www.adfg.alaska.gov. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

A-Z Animals. "Deer Season In Alaska: Everything You Need To Know To Be Prepared." A-Z Animals, a-z-animals.com. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Since this is the last Inat Journal post we will have for this week I took the liberty of sort of creative and comedic writing on this journal post , I hope you guys enjoy-

Alaskan Adventure – A Star Encounter at Auke Recreational Village

Dear Journal, Today was no ordinary day; it was the day I met the rockstars of Auke Recreational Village’s tidepools. Armed with my boots and a childlike curiosity, I waded through the shallow pools like a cross between Jacques Cousteau and a pirate on a treasure hunt. And oh, what a treasure I found – the enigmatic and somewhat sticky Pisaster ochraceus! Also known as the ochre sea star, it’s the Mick Jagger of the echinoderm world, flaunting its purple hues and spiny, textured skin like a rockstar’s glittery costume. This wasn’t just any star; it was a five-armed wonder, clinging to rocks with the tenacity of a toddler refusing to leave a candy store. It’s rumored that these echinoderms can regrow lost arms, turning catastrophic mishaps into miraculous comebacks, much like a celebrity scandal. But it’s not all about looks; these stars have a grip that would make a wrestling champion envious, thanks to their tube feet that work like a battalion of mini suction cups. Here I was, a tidepool newbie, face to face with a creature that could literally stomach its food outside its body. That’s right – it ejects its stomach like a party trick no one asked for, digesting mussels with a gusto that would put competitive eaters to shame. What an introduction to the wild stars of the sea! A star-studded performance on the rocks, and let me tell you, they didn’t even need a stage. Just the majestic backdrop of Juneau, the soundtrack of waves, and an audience of one, utterly starstruck by the tidal fanfare.
Signing off, a newly minted star gazer.

Why this species of starfish is important to Alaskan marine environments? (Purdue owl style MLA intext and citations)

The ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) plays an essential role in the marine ecosystems of Alaska. Recognized as a keystone species, the ochre sea star exerts a significant impact on its environment, disproportionately larger than its own abundance might suggest. These sea stars are predators of the California mussel (Mytilus californianus), and their predation habits help control the mussel populations. This balance allows other macroinvertebrates to flourish, creating a diverse and robust intertidal community. When the ochre sea stars are absent, the mussel population can become nearly dominant, leading to a decrease in biodiversity in these intertidal zones (Wikipedia).

The importance of the ochre sea star extends beyond the direct predation on mussels. Its feeding habits indirectly provide living spaces and resources for numerous other species, hence contributing to a more dynamic and diversified ecosystem. This starfish's presence ensures that no single species monopolizes the limited space and resources in the tidal zones, thus maintaining the ecological equilibrium (Oregon Conservation Strategy).

Moreover, the ochre sea star has an intriguing reproductive strategy that contributes to its role in the ecosystem. They reproduce through broadcast spawning, where fertilization occurs in the water column, and develop through several larval stages. The juveniles are typically found in the crevices and under rocks in the intertidal zones (Animal Diversity Web).

However, the ochre sea star population faces threats from sea star wasting syndrome, which has significantly reduced their numbers. The syndrome is characterized by lesions, tissue decay, and death, and its outbreaks have caused a decline of 85 to 90% in ochre sea star populations in some areas within just a few months. The decline of this keystone predator can lead to profound ecological consequences, such as the unchecked growth of mussel populations and subsequent biodiversity loss. Research is ongoing to understand the syndrome's causes and mitigate its impacts on sea star populations (Oregon Conservation Strategy).

In summary, the ochre sea star is not only a charismatic symbol of the marine life in Alaska but also a vital player in the health of its coastal ecosystems. Conservation efforts and monitoring of this species are critical to maintaining the diversity and resilience of these marine habitats.

Citations in MLA according to Purdue Owl (Alphabetical Order) -

"ADW: Pisaster ochraceus: INFORMATION." Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pisaster_ochraceus/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pisaster_ochraceus/.

"Ochre Sea Star – Oregon Conservation Strategy." Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/strategy-species/ochre-sea-star/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Wikipedia contributors. "Pisaster ochraceus." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 13 Apr. 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisaster_ochraceus.

PS- (As a college student I am aware of the dangers of using Wikipedia as a source but the Inat GUIDELINES for this course require us to use 2 sources , in this case Wikipedia is the 3rd one as there are a total of 3 sources. With that being said Wikipedia can be a starting point for research due to its ease of access and the breadth of knowledge it contains. The references and external links at the bottom of each Wikipedia page can be particularly valuable, directing readers to primary sources and peer-reviewed articles. I checked the information on other websites and it checks out and even asked the important characteristics about the species with my zoology professor but yet I know in general and for those who do not know or not familiar if they were not already - academically speaking, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source for citation in research papers or academic publications. This is primarily because Wikipedia is a tertiary resource that can be edited by anyone, which may sometimes lead to inaccuracies or unverified information. The only reason I have used it is because the information is valid and checks out and I do not want to NOT cite where I got the info from if that makes sense ?.

The pictures you are going to sea are of an anemone ! ( I thought that would rhyme and be a pun at the same time in my head) , now that I say it out loud I see it does not. Well moving on for this weeks post I have a anemone , and I found a bunch of these guys near eagle creek center , of Louisa road. This is really special to me as it was my first time seeing not just one but a whole beach filled with starfish , anemone's, and even different inter-tidal worms and not to mentions 1000's of mussels in aggregation clumped up. Truly magical it felt like I was transported into a Nat Geo documentary , it's a pity I cant upload the video's. Alright enough of me blabbering about the inter tidal species , lets get to the specifics of the Anemone I found. The anemone that you are seeing (green and red , pink tentacles) is known as the Christmas anemone because it has the colors red and green on its body, the scientific name for the species is Urticina crassicornis and is part of the class Hexacorrilia. They live in areas such as the pelagic zones , benthic and tidal. My classmate is a diver and he said that they are not that easy to spot the ones that are sessile and grounded on the ocean floor substrate but since the tides were low I was able to to see many of them , that's why I think I was just lucky. They live a very sedentary lifestyle and believe it or not as harmless as they look they are carnivorous and eat things like plankton , small fish and even different worms,mussels and other smaller molluscs . This keeps the ocean floor clean and it reminds of the the very First finding Nemo movie and that very first seen when the dad and son are playing inside the anemone , they also act as symbionts for some species.

This species is found in a variety of marine environments, including the intertidal and subtidal zones of Alaska, where it contributes to the biodiversity and health of these ecosystems.
Urticina crassicornis is known for its long lifespan, which can extend up to 80 years, and its ability to inhabit both shallow and deeper waters, from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. This anemone plays a crucial role as a predator in its ecosystem, feeding on a variety of invertebrates and fish, thereby maintaining the balance of marine life in its habitat (Animalia).
Moreover, the Christmas anemone exhibits interesting behaviors and adaptations, such as the ability to move by inflating its body and using currents to roll along the ocean floor. This is particularly useful for avoiding predators or seeking better conditions in terms of light and food availability(Animal World).

Citations in MLA (PURDUE OWL)

1. "Urticina crassicornis - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio." Animalia, www.animalia.bio/urticina-crassicornis. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
2. "Painted anemone • Urticina crassicornis - Biodiversity of the Central Coast." Biodiversity of the Central Coast, www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/painted-anemone-bull-urticina-crassicornis.html. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
3. "Christmas Anemone." Animal World, animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/anemones/ChristmasAnemone.php. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.

I HAVE PUT THE 3RD SOURCE^ INCASE ANYONE WANTS TO READ UP !!.

I was just getting outside the general store when I saw this massive Raven sitting on top of the oil tanker, at first I thought maybe it’s just a sign or like a 2d poster but as a turned my head I , there was mass and it became very much 3D. I quickly hurdled in my car and dropped the instant noodles I had gotten and took out my phone, The first few pictures are just a black figurine of the animal where you couldn't even tell any of its body parts just a rough outline until I waited for it to get into the sun a little bit and see the feathers and others identifying features of the beautiful black bird. In my life I have seen lots of crows and even in India, where its actually considered lucky if they poop on you or your car and maybe 1-2 ravens here or there but these ravens are just massive in size and not only size but in their coloration too it's like someone had taken a felt tip maker and given it the glistening black it has . I knew I had to get this one for my observation.
In terms of the Alaskan Native context Ravens are no strangers to the Natives not to mention the tribes that are literally called Raven. This specific bird has a lot of meanings in Alaskan Culture, and I know this from the books we have read specifically A Blonde Indian. On the web additionally I found that they are called "tricksters" (“Alaska Ravens”) and do not think twice when playing around with animals or humans. I can vouch for this as in my first semester here I had got soup from the canteen and left it outside the library bench for exactly 3 minutes to show my brother the library via facetime as it was new to me and really pretty too, anyways when I came back outside I saw 2 Ravens just devouring my soup with the lid open and everything and even ripped through the plastic bag!!. The same source that calls them "tricksters' ' said that they are extremely intelligent animals and that they are able to adapt to the cold habitats and hot ones too, no wonder they are here all season. Some size measurements from the source are "The largest member of the Crow Family, Alaska ravens average 24 inches tall, with a wingspan of 46-56 inches."(“Alaska Ravens”). In terms of myths " Raven was a shape changer, who could assume any form – human or animal. Raven was a glutton and trickster, but he showed pity for the naked people he found in a giant clamshell. His trickery brought them the essentials for existence in a harsh world – game and fish and fowl, fire, clothing, shelter – and with them the rituals that would protect them from the dark spirits lurking about." (“Alaska Ravens”).

Another source mentions that these birds are not only the smartest birds but also are great in air acrobats which makes me think if they were to race an eagle which one would win , considering they are the smartest and use logic to solve problems that would be an entertaining one to watch additionally when it comes to mythical and spiritual aspects I found this from the second source "The Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Bella Bella, and Kwakiutl viewed raven as the creator of the world and the bringer of daylight, as well as an incurable trickster." ("Common Raven"). , which is similar to the first source calling them tricksters.

Citations in MLA According to Purdue owl-

"Alaska Ravens." Alaska Trekker,
https://alaskatrekker.com/alaska-wildlife/alaska-ravens/.

"Common Raven." Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commonraven.main#:~:text=The%20raven%20is%20a%20year,and%20mountains%20of%20Southeast%20Alaska.

I’m curious have any of you ever played with Ravens? if you did please let me know how that experience went for you guys.:)

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

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.

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