On summer time 2021 I had the chance to conduct a analysis go to on the College Museum of Bergen beneath mission NorHydro. Concretely, I used to be working with the hydrozoan collections, the place I acquired to know first-hand the position performed by the curators and the significance of the collections. I examined a number of specimens and digitalized their related information creating e-vouchers. Having all the knowledge of specimens in a digital format is essential as a result of it permits different researchers to entry the fabric with out having to return to the museum and helps to make the stock extra accessible and organised. I additionally improved my data of hydrozoan variety by figuring out quite a few specimens deposited on the museum. For that, I used some keys for each thecate and athecate hydroids from North—West European waters in addition to the steerage of my MSc supervisor Luis Martell.
The primary distinction between leptothecate and anthoathecate hydroids is the dearth of theca within the latter (the theca is a cup-like construction that protects the polyps), however a few of them will be very difficult to establish since anthoathecate hydroids could have theca-like buildings, and the theca of lepthothecate polyps could also be tough to see at first sight. Additionally, if you have a look at a pattern, it’s possible you’ll discovered a number of hydrozoans rising on the identical substrate all collectively, making identification much more tough. One of many traits used to distinguish species is the presence and the form of the reproductive buildings (gonophores), however they don’t seem to be at all times current if the polyps usually are not reproductive.
Sertularella rugosa (high row) is surely certainly one of my favorite hydrozoans. The hydrothecae resemble a bee hive and the colony has a zig-zag look. Nonetheless, it’s simple to confuse it with Sertularella tenella (backside row). Photos credit: Carla García.
Polyps of the household Campanulariidae. This widespread household is characterised by the presence of a bell-shaped theca. Photos credit: Carla García.
Throughout my keep, I additionally had the prospect to go sampling on a analysis boat, which helped me to grasp higher the procedures and necessities which are obligatory to gather hydrozoans. We used a wide-mouthed plankton internet that went up and down at a continuing pace to keep away from damaging the jellies and different gelatinous organisms from the plankton. After sampling, we took the cod-end to the laboratory. There, the content material of the cod-end was poured on a light-weight desk. Then, we chosen fascinating specimens (together with hydromedusae belonging to genus Euphysa) with large mouthed pipettes and transferred them to Petri dishes crammed with recent seawater to look at them higher beneath a microscope.
Towing the plankton-net which went right down to 650m to seize some gelatinous organisms. As you’ll be able to think about, going up and down such an extended distance takes loads of time, however it’s by no means boring with colleagues like Aino Hosia (proper). Image credit: Carla García.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to get samples of Euphysa aurata and Euphysa sp., however they didn’t wish to pose for my picture and saved shifting round. Image credit: Carla García.
We took the chance to gather some shallow-water benthic hydroids simply in entrance of the Marine Station. Image credit score: Carla García.
Final however not least, I labored on the DNA lab, which allowed me to realize expertise in new molecular strategies that I had not used earlier than and to adapt myself to completely different (and really fashionable) amenities.
This expertise has been merely nice for me. I liked the working surroundings and the truth that all people was at all times there to present me a hand. I’ve realized lots and I’m taking with me many mates that I hope to fulfill once more once I come again to Bergen.
If you wish to know extra about tasks of NorHydro and HYPNO, go to NorHydro’s house web page and Fb web page, and examine the hashtags #HYPNO and #NorHydro inTwitter.
-Carla García-Carrancio