Day 4: Our Last Day at Bamfield

Our final day at Bamfield was a little more relaxed, but just as rewarding. We started the day with one of our favorite field studies of the trip - a visit to Brady's Beach. At this beautiful beach we explored tidal pools and put all of our new knowledge to work identifying organisms that we found in them.





In the afternoon we worked with the specimens we had collected for the DNA database. We used various resources to identify our organisms and then we entered this information into the BOLD database. We also took tissue samples from the specimens for DNA sampling and barcoding. Hopefully we will be able to access our results and find out exactly what species we identified in June.



The rest of the day was spent reflecting on our experiences. This has definitely been a trip that we won't forget! We're all sad to be leaving but are looking forward to sharing our experiences with our family and friends.

Photo credit: Ahil P.

Day 3: Some Student Thoughts on Bamfield

Here's what the students had to say today about the learning experiences at Bamfield.

"It's really important because it's hands on. You don't have to remember things, you just feel them and that has more longevity".

Studying the inter-tidal zones at Eagle Bay

Oceanography in Grappler Inlet today

"When I went on the Alta it was an ah-ha moment. I can't believe I'm here and how much learning about the oceans I'm getting from all the experiences."

Examining the dredge on the Alta

Student designed experiments

"I don't think Bamfield is just for learning about the ocean, it is here to interest you in the future and what we can do in our daily lives to help the world around us."

Documenting our specimens for DNA sampling

Conducting experiments to better understand the impact of climate change on oceans

And what the students had to say about why the instructors at Bamfield are providing such a great experience:

"Because they have a lot of knowledge"

"Because they include themselves and all of us in conversations we're having"

"They have a passion for the area and the subjects"

Identifying phytoplankton from Grappler Inlet

Day 2 - Rocky Beaches

What a busy day! After breakfast we started with a field study at Aguilar Point to collect specimens for our DNA lab. We are collecting arthropods for our study so spent lots of time looking at hermit crabs and barnacles.

Collecting samples for our DNA research

After our time at Aguilar Point the group split up with half of us going out on the BMSC Alta to do a seafloor dredge and the other half doing an oceanography study in Grappler Inlet.

Students on the Alta got a chance to look at the marine species from the deeper seafloor by collecting a seafloor dredge. Lots of chances for hands on exploration of sea cucumbers and crabs.


Students in Grappler Inlet took measurements of salinity, temperature and turbidity at the head and mouth of the inlet to see how ocean conditions vary. We also collected zooplankton for an upcoming investigation.

Measuring salinity and temperature

Checking turbidity

Taking some measurements

After lunch we headed into the coastal rainforest to learn about the forest ecosystem. Students took on the role of teachers in a "learning chain" to teach others about the different plants within the forest.



The rest of the afternoon was spent learning a different technique for documenting specimens through the art of Gyotaku. We took some time for personal reflection on the day by journalling and sketching about what we'd seen and done.



In the evening we looked at indicator species and plastics in the ocean through an activity around seabirds. We're all pretty tired so it is an early night so we can be ready for tomorrow!

Day 1 (May 9, 2016): Traveling to Bamfield

Today we left Calgary and headed to Bamfield. It was an early morning flight and a long bus ride but we arrived at Bamfield full of energy and excitement. The whole experience so far as exceeded expectations. Delicious dinner, beautiful scenery and a lot of learning!

So far we've learned a little about the geography of the area:

Students looking out on Barkley Sound

Prepared for our field study tomorrow by meeting the invertebrates of the West Coast up close with the touch tanks:

Getting to know our marine species

Checking out the adaptations of sea-stars

And witnessed a beautiful coastal sunset from the main viewing area:

The end of our first day at Bamfield

Looking forward to exploring the inter-tidal environment and rain forests tomorrow!