The Mediterranean is full of surprises. We—the research group from the degree programs
“Ecology and Environmental Protection”
“Biotechnology and Applied Ecology,”
After a long drive, with a relaxing break in Vienna, we reached our destination: the city of Pula in Croatia.
Before we could take a closer look at the sea through our binoculars, the team from the Pula Marine School, based there, gave us a snorkeling lesson. There, we got to know our first marine creatures, including sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea spiders, and many colorful fish. During further snorkeling trips along the rocky coast and over the lush seagrass meadows, some members of our group caught a glimpse of a cuttlefish. Even the rare, protected spiny clam can still be found in this area. The fried-egg jellyfish showed itself to all of us at its best in the magical rock grotto. And it really does look like a billowing fried egg!
Another highlight was snorkeling in a rock grotto at Cape Kamenjak. We bathed in the light that flooded through openings in the grotto’s ceiling. The dusty walk back from the cape to the bus was quite arduous.
But we gladly endured the scorching heat to explore the garrigue vegetation, because we found the turpentine pistachio and the velvety hare’s-tail.
Not only the big things, but also the small ones wanted to be explored by us. So we later analyzed the plankton samples we’d collected from the boat in the lab.
The field trip was designed to give us students a better understanding of marine biology, since there’s unfortunately hardly any time for it in the general lectures. Besides, it’s always good to experience something like this right on site—that is, by the sea!
Special thanks go to the HSZG Friends Association for their support!
Text and photos: Sarah-Marie Hartmann, HS
Contact:
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christa Heidger
, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Phone: 03583 61-1397
Email: c.heidger(at)hszg.de