Go Here to see how to do some of the tests

Part 1: Dock Walk (if you do not have access to a dock, do Steps 1-3 on "Beach Walk")

Step 1 of 3:

v     Walk the dock looking for conspicuous jellies.

v     Make note of what species you see, as listed in the Jellyfish Key.

v     For each species, note a size range:

Marble (1/2 in), golf ball (1in), baseball (3 in), softball (5 in), bowling ball (12 in), 'really big' (>12 in.)

v     For each species, estimate abundance:

Just 1, a few, 10's, 100's, or 1000's

v     Tip:  Look at the water from the dock's edge out to the horizon, as far as you can see.

Step 2 of 3:

v     Looking close to the dock, focus on discovering smaller jellies, such as ctenophores, Hydromedusae, and smaller individuals of the bigger ones you've already recorded.

v     Again, record size and abundance estimates.

Step 3 of 3:

v     To observe very small specimens, scoop dip net through water for 15 seconds.

v     Empty contents into bucket with water and examine.

v     Note species, sizes, and abundances.

v     Do this 3 times off different parts of the dock.

v     Tip: If you cannot identify a jellyfish, take a picture and/or detailed notes on its color, markings, lappets, oral arms, size, and any other potentially identifying markings. Call DockWatch as soon as possible with this information (334-861-7565 or dockwatch@disl.org). Submit these as "unknown" on the web site and provide the submission reference number with pictures or descriptions. If you take digital pictures, you can attach them to your e-mail. If you take regular pictures, please mail them to us as soon as possible: DockWatch/ Dr. Graham, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528.

Part 2: Physical Data

v        Temperature: Use bucket to scoop some water, then partially immerse the thermometer (about 1/3) into the water; allow it to stabilize for 45 seconds, then record temperature on data sheet. Also allow thermometer to stabilize to air temperature for 45 seconds and record.

v        Salinity: Use provided test kit and water from bucket as for temperature
                For instructions on its use please see the videos page.

NOTE: The chemical are toxic. Be sure to wear the provided eye goggles when performing this task. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dark place, but NOT your refrigerator or anywhere near where you store food.

v        Place blue tip on syringe and draw-in full syringe (1-ml) of water from bucket.

v        Dispense into plastic vial.

v        Add 1 drop of Reagent 1, close vial cap and gently mix (shake back and forth, but do not turn upside-down to avoid spilling). Sample will turn violet.

v        While swirling the sample, carefully add Reagent 2 one drop at a time until the sample turns yellow (may only take a few drops). Replace cap on vial.

v        Remove blue tip from syringe and replace with red tip. It is very important to not use the same tip for the water and Reagent 3.

v        Push plunger completely into syringe, insert tip into Reagent 3, and completely fill syringe (to 0-ml mark).

v        Place syringe tip into plastic vial but not down into the yellow solution. Slowly add Reagent 3 one drop at a time, swirling solution between each drop until it turns violet (solution may turn violet for a second, then return to yellow; continue adding 1 drop at a time until it stays violet).

v        Once solution stays violet, read and record the syringe marking (0.X-ml), then multiply by 40 to obtain salinity in ppt (parts per thousand). Record salinity on data sheet.

See Instruction Manual inside kit for additional information.

v     Water Clarity: Use the transparency tube to determine how clear the water is.                     For instruction on how to use the Transparency Tube please see the Videos page

v     Be sure the clamp is closed on the outflow tubing at bottom.

v     Scoop water with the bucket and pour it into the tube. (Tip: The tube only holds a little over 1 ˝ gallons, so you don't have to fill the bucket very full.)

v     If you cannot see the secchi pattern (white and black triangles at bottom of tube) through the water, gently press on the clamp with your foot to drain the water.

v     Allow the water to drain until the disk just becomes visible. Close the clamp again by gently pressing on it with your foot.

v     Read the tape measure at the water level still in the tube. Record this number (in centimeters) on data sheet.

v     If you can see the secchi pattern when the tube is full to the 120 cm mark, record the clarity as >/= 120 cm ("greater than or equal to" 120 cm)

v     Tips: Practice using the transparency tube several times away from the dock, as it is very easy to drop the tube in the water. It is not easy for us to make a new one. Please let us know immediately if your tube does get “lost to the Gulf” or if it begins to come apart (i.e. leak or the tape measure comes off).

v     If your dock is equipped with a hose that pumps seawater from near your dock, you can use it to fill the transparency tube.

v     If you are using the bucket to fill the tube, try picking the bucket up by the rim with one hand and holding the tube with the other, or try holding the tube between your knees or feet if using two hands on the bucket. Remember, you only need 1 ˝ gallons, not the whole bucket-full. Please practice this technique before attempting it at the dock! If there is someone who could accompany you to help you with this, it would be much easier for you.

v     Water surface: make a judgement as to the appearance of the water's surface: calm (no to little ripples), light chop (small ripples to small wavelets), choppy (rough wavelets, some with white tips), rough (larger wavelets, most with white tips). Record on data sheet.

v     Wind: make a judgement as to how hard the wind is blowing and from which direction. Remember, wind will effect water surface. No wind (calm water), light breeze (light chop), brisk (windy enough to blow your hair around; choppy), high winds (difficult to perform Dock Watch duties; rough water). Record on data sheet.

v     Weather: sunny, cloudy (individual clouds), overcast (solid gray sky), raining, storming. On data sheet, can indicate more than one, i.e. cloudy and raining.

v     Cloud cover: estimate the percentage of cloud cover and what type of clouds are present (see Dock Watch web site for cloud chart). Record data.

Part 3: Beach Walk

v     Walk along water's edge for 5 minutes and back (10 minutes total). Make note of beached jellyfish and other observations of jellyfish in the water. Also record which direction you start walking (roughly: north, east, south, west).

If you do not have access to a dock, perform all "Dock Walk" duties during your "Beach Walk".

NOTE: Be sure to record the date and time of all your Dock Watches! Enter all data onto the online form, but keep the hard copy (paper copy) and we will collect it. Be sure to include any unusual observations in the comments section on the web form.