While many folks were begrudgingly returning to work after last week’s Memorial Day holiday, Thunderword reporters & photographers had the chance to join the Marine Science & Technology Center (MaST) during a specimen collection trip. 

Typically, these trips are reserved for MaST employees. They are crucial to the center, as they allow them to diversify and reinforce their existing aquarium population. Previously, the MaST conducted this trip in 2022, and this year chose to return to the same teeming spot in Port Angeles, Wash., – Freshwater Bay.

With the simple trappings of a full scuba suit, water shoes, fins, gardening gloves, googles, and a snorkel, members of the Thunderword staff were able to experience an untold range of marine biodiversity. After making our way through choppy cold water, we began our exploration at low tide. By simply walking along the reef, scoped out by the MaST professionals, reporters were able to see starfish, sea cucumbers, and limpets just inches away. 

Have you ever been to a museum, and wished you could point to every exhibit and ask ‘What’s that?’ and be met with a full biographical understanding of your most indeterminate curiosity? If so, most likely you would have enjoyed this trip. Every new crevice held a greater understanding of the increasingly smaller creatures that call the Puget Sound home. 

Liv Lyons, Thunderword editor and writer spoke first hand of their experience:

“Today was such a rich opportunity. I’m so grateful to the center and to Rus [Higley- MaST Director]. Being here, seeing the animals up close and being able to help the center collect [specimens] that others will be able to see and interact with has been one of the best college moments I’ve had,” said Lyons.

In total, around 20 specimens were collected during last Tuesday’s trip. Of their numbers, one starfish, and five hermit crabs were found by the Thunderword team.

If you would like to see these marine invertebrates, as well as the other wondrous creatures the MaST holds, they are open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday.