The Mediterranean is full of surprises. We, the research group of the degree courses
"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 under the binoculars, the team from the Pula Sea School stationed there gave us snorkeling lessons. We got to know our first sea creatures, including sea cucumbers, sea urchins, spider crabs and lots of colorful fish. During further snorkeling trips along the rocky coast and over the lush seagrass meadows, some of our group were able to catch a glimpse of a cuttlefish. Even the rare, protected pinniped can still be found in this area. The fried egg jellyfish showed us all its best side in the magical rock grotto. And it really does look like a wobbly fried egg!
Another highlight was snorkeling in a rocky grotto at Cape Kamenjak. We bathed in the light that flooded through openings in the cave ceiling. The dusty walk back from the cape to the bus was arduous.
But we gladly braved the sweltering heat to explore the garrigue vegetation, as we found the turpentine pistachio and the velvety hare's tail.
We wanted to explore not only the big but also the small. We later analyzed plankton samples taken from the boat in the laboratory.
The purpose of the excursion was to bring us students a little closer to marine biology, as there is unfortunately hardly any time for this in the general lectures. Besides, it is always better to experience something like this directly on site, i.e. by the sea!
Special thanks go to the HSZG sponsorship association for their support!
Text and photos: Sarah-Marie Hartmann, HS
Contact:
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christa Heidger
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Tel. 03583 61-1397
Mail: c.heidger(at)hszg.de