Tide Bites

Are there any sea stars left in the San Juans?

We have not yet solved the vexing mystery of why the San Juan Islands were skipped by the sea star wasting disease epidemic last…

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Morgan Eisenlord and Drew Harvell

Stinkin’ Seaweed Supports Students

This is a story about a wonderful synergy between college students, life at marine labs, and research opportunities. Students at many stages in their…

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Megan Dethier, Alex Lowe, David Duggins

Big Waves Are Costly for Fish Trying to Stay Put

Complex water flows, such as waves and eddies, are common in nature and play an important role in shaping aquatic communities. In shallow marine…

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Dominique Roche, Sandra Binning, and Mark Taylor

Bacteria, Eelgrass, and Harmful Algal Blooms: Understanding the Relationship

Misunderstood Microbes: In a culture seemingly gripped by an antibacterial fervor, where the very mention of a microbe might bring a handshake to a…

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Katie Harrington, Lab Assistant, FHL Seagrass Lab

How do fish get so big when they are eating something so small?

Filter-feeding fishes range in size from anchovies the size of your finger to whale sharks longer than a school bus.

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Professor Billie J. Swalla Interim Director, Friday Harbor Laboratories

Underwater Rock Walls in the San Juan Islands are Healthy and Amazingly Diverse!

Humans modify their environments in many ways, including climate change, non-native species introductions, and habitat protection.

Published in Tide Bites
Written by Professor Billie J. Swalla Interim Director, Friday Harbor Laboratories