In total, six types of bottom cover were found

at the site, ranging from mud and sand to boulders
and sheer rock faces. Each of these separate
habitats serves as the environment for the
enormous diversity of plant and animal life.

The varieties were then recorded using transects,
in Which the divers ventured out from 40 locations
to count all life found in a quarter square metre
grid plotted in a straight line to the 60 foot
water level.

The crew also seined and trawled for specimen
identification, and some samples were taken
for display at the Douglas College biology
department laboratories.

According to project supervisor Shipman, the
most common species of fish in the eelgrass
at Bedwell Bay are the siner perch, Bay pipe
fish, pacific staghorn sculpin, spine sticklefish
and other sculpins and perch.

At the Belcarra site, the most abundant are
staghorn sculpin, English sole and starry flounder.

Trawling also brought to the surface shrimp,
decorator crabs, algae and the occasional
anenome.

The most colourful animal species were tiger
rockfish, painted greenling, buffalo sculpin,
striped seaperch, clown shrimp, sunflower star-
fish, anenomes, nudibranches and the giant

red starfish.

New Facilities Built if Given Approval

If the proposed underwater park is given approval
by the GVRD, new facilities will be built at
Belcarra including diver access, boat stops, a
boat launch, and an interpreter program to
"bring the undersea world to all park visitors."

Proposals to restrict underwater spearfishing
and collecting have already been voiced.

According to the survey crew, the objective of
the marine park will be to preserve the ecology
and numerous archaeological sites along the
shoreline, to provide recreational use of the

water with interpreter programs and to protect
the area from incompatible use and development.

The final report of the six crew members should
be available to the public in November, and will
outline Belcarra's history, and projected uses.

The project will also publish an informational
brochure that will be available at other GVRD
parks.

- DOUGLAS COLLEGE NEWS SERVICES

 

 

Athletic Events

Alumni Basketball Game

Douglas College Women Vs. Douglas College
Alumni Women 6:30 P.M.

Douglas College Men Vs. Douglas College
Alumni Men 8:15 P.M.

Both Games are on October 18, 1985 in the Gym.

Pub Night
October 18, 1985
7:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M.

Proceeds to go to African Famine Relief.

Basketball Game
(Gym)

Men's Hockey Team Vs. Women's Basketball Team
October 25, 1985
7:00 P.M.

Pre-Halloween Get Together

Staff and Faculty Get Together in the Lower
Cafeteria from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. on October 25.

All the above events are sponsored by the
Athletic Department.

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