Fun with a Microscope.......

A successful plankton session led by Jim Monroe was held in the Ilfracombe Dive Club on 8th May, a great venue conducive to microscopy and much conviviality.

Jim Monroe and Robert Down braved wind and rain to trawl for samples from around the harbour and these proved to be a source of fascination for over 20 members for several hours. High powered scopes were needed to view the abundant tiny diatoms and zooplankton in the samples, so many in every drop of water.

Several of us had brought along our excellent value Bresser scopes (c/o Lidl) for everyone to use, and Jim brought his Seben scope, the subject of much admiration.  Members also made good use of the digital camera/microscope donated by Barnstaple Rotary which allowed them to share their viewing and pool their knowledge to good effect.

Odontella & Rhizosolenia were amongst the most abundant diatoms, with a sprinkling of dainty Asterionella to add sparkle, but it was the zooplankton that attracted most attention.  Barnacle nauplii were plentiful and lively enough, Bryozoan larvae fewer but, equipped with cilia, they created quite a stir.   Calanus, Copepods and the like stretched our identification skills, but Coastwise plankton enthusiast Jim Monroe was happy to answer all our many questions.

Everyone played their part in making this such an enjoyable occasion, but special thanks are due to Chris Mandry who looked after us so well on behalf of the Dive Club, our kind hosts.

Examples of what members saw (left) are Rhizosolenia (top)  & Odontella species.