Dear Andrew,

There is much to be learned about the microfauna just inside the inlets of
NE Florida.  Gently brushing off rocks, algae, sponges, seagrasses through
a fine mesh sieve can be very productive (and lend insight into habitat
preference).  I don't have any reason to recommend one spot over another;
we need to find out for ourselves what differences may exist among these
stations.

If you aren't averse to drift-collecting along the oceanic beaches, you may
wish to focus on stranded monfilament fishing line and clumps of Glassy
Tube Worm (Spiochaetopterus sp.) shed integuments.  I have found remarkable
numbers of specimens and species by harvesting these materials and later
drying and shaking out/sifting the particulates that foul them.  You can
postpone the scrutiny (best done under a microscope) to time parcels less
conducive to fieldwork.

Harry


At 04:08 AM 10/21/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Andrew Vik
>Tampa, FL.
>[log in to unmask]
>
>Dear Conchlers:
>
>I'm going to be exploring the Florida East coast next week, from St.
>Augustine southward. Does anyone have any hot tips on good collecting
>areas for micro shells?
>I'm also interested in stuff beached by the recent hurricane.
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Yours, Andrew
>