Dock Fouling Adventure. West Seattle, Washington

The feather duster worms are the most prominent and dazzling feature underneath the dock. They are quite close to the surface so even if you don't have an underwater camera you are likely to snap some good shots of these guys. The visible part of the worm, the tentacles, will quickly retract inside the tube when approached. Don't worry, the tentacles are not harmful. These worms use them to filter feed on plankton.

A great variety of plumose anemones  are attached to this dock. They are either white or a shade ranging from tan to brown. The anemones range in size from a couple of inches across the base to about six inches. There are plenty within camera range but far more can been seen in the depths of the water. 

Kelp lace is a form bryozoa, or encrusting sponge, that grows upon the seaweed. It is easily overlooked. Similar to chain tunicates, the bryozoa is a colony of individuals that share a protective outer layer. Carefully examine a blade of seaweed and you are likely to spot them.

There are not a lot of visible tunicates when you peer over the side of these floating docks. Presumably there are many down there! To see one up close, try to delicately haul up a piece of seaweed and examine it carefully. Small colonies may appear as brightly colored blobs.

The fouling underneath these docks is crawling with these little shrimp. Bring a plastic food container if you wish to get a better look at them. Their odd locomotion can be quite intriguing to observe.

Sea slugs can be found all throughout the fouling. This nudibranch was found upon a blade of seaweed and delicately placed into a plastic food container with seawater. After his photo-shoot he was delicately placed back onto his seaweed. This species will stand out because of its bright coloration, however they may form a tight ball and may not look like anything much at all.