Goodies and phytoplankton detection at Nov. 18 Indian Island gala

Published 12:34 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Invasive “purple varnish” clams were a growing nuisance a few years ago, but a survey this year found none alive on Indian Island beaches. Where did they all go?

Herring and smelt both spawned near the island in the spring, but did not rear there. Was survival low, or did the fish move quickly into deeper waters?

Indian Island Marine Health Observatory members will offer their answers to these and many other questions at the organization’s second annual report to the community this Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Orcas Center.

“Meet the Indian Island team, enjoy an entertaining slide show, try your hand at phytoplankton detection, and partake of a delicious light supper provided by the Orcas Village Store,” say organizers.