The Alaska Pacific University octopus study started in 1995.
We had the opportunity to support their 2014 research cruise with Dr. David Scheele
and his crew of research students. He has headed this long term study since its
inception. This expedition is a great opportunity for some of his undergraduate
and graduate students to get a feel for field research and at the same time contribute
to the long term study. The study areas include the shores around Allemar,
Busby Island and Green Island in Prince William Sound. They collect samples and
record data related to habitat, diet, populations and behavior. They also get a
lot of good footage of their octopus subjects. We get to house some of the octopus
and other invertebrates on the Cathy G, requiring a good flow of sea water. Many
of the students as well as Dr. Scheel are certified in scuba diving and so we
get to support them in their research dives as well. Recently they discovered a
new species of octopus, so far found only in Prince William Sound. Until then
it was believed that only the Giant Pacific octopus was to be found here. Aquetec
LLC - Alaska Research Support is looking forward to supporting this study in
the future.
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