Periwinkles and Touch Tanks

Coastal Protection Act

When do we want it?

Now!

Back to the Sea Society

The Back to the Sea Society welcomed the group, providing hands-on learning and a wonderful "How Do I Float" program.


Beachside Critter

A Nature Guardian spotted this cool critter! By using iNaturalist we learned that it was a True Velvet Mite!

Stop the Fill

The proposed infilling of Dartmouth Cove, involves plans to fill sections of the cove to support development and infrastructure projects. The Nature Guardians discussed the possible environmental impacts, including the loss of natural habitat and implications for water quality in the area. 

Making new friends at the touch tank

We had the chance to hold some really cute and clever creatures!

Did you know?

A sea urchins' mouth is located on the underside, and contains a specialized structure called Aristotle's lantern, which has five sharp teeth to scrape algae off rocks!

Using this image and additional resources, the Nature Guardians conducted a periwinkle population survey to gain practical skills in marine species identification and survey techniques!

Periwinkles are Cool!

Periwinkles originally came from the Atlantic coast of Europe but have been in our waters for centuries. Periwinkles are adapted to live both in and out of water. They spend most of their time underwater eating food, and when they are not in the water, they have to survive desiccation (drying out) under the pressures of the sun and air. Periwinkles are mollusks and are essentially marine snails. They come out of their shell underwater, crawling along the ocean floor and rocks. To eat food like diatoms and species of algae, they use a tooth-like structure called a radula. When the tide goes out, the periwinkles find a safe place, like between rocks, tidal pools, or under seaweed, where they have as much moisture as possible. They then squeeze tightly into their shell and move so that their operculum acts as a door, protecting them from the external environment. They also secrete a sticky mucus substance that allows them to stick and seal themselves safely to rocks.