Apr 10, 2026

Establishing Long-Term Monitoring Sites for Anthopleura elegantissima Anemones

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kqdg31627l25/v1
  • 1University of Oregon;
  • 2Oregon State University
  • Anemones at War Protocols
Rowan McLachlan
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kqdg31627l25/v1
Protocol Citation: Elle Hopkins, Rowan McLachlan, Nathan Kirk 2026. Establishing Long-Term Monitoring Sites for Anthopleura elegantissima Anemones. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kqdg31627l25/v1
License: This is an open access  protocol  distributed under the terms of the  Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: July 24, 2025
Last Modified: April 10, 2026
Protocol  Integer ID: 223092
Keywords: term monitoring of other intertidal invertebrate species, other intertidal invertebrate species, intertidal sea anemone anthopleura elegantissima, oregon institute of marine biology, term monitoring sites for anthopleura elegantissima anemone, marine biology, monitoring sites tag anemone colony, anemone polyps per colony specimen collection, anemone colony, sites tag anemone colony, tidal height of anemone colony, species, anthopleura elegantissima anemone, large areas of the rocky intertidal zone, colony specimen collection, tracking of colony size, rocky intertidal zone, rapid asexual reproduction via fission, competitive ability among colony, neighboring colony, colony size, colony boundary, shifts in colony boundary, anthopleura elegantissima, anemone polyp, rapid asexual reproduction, anemone, colony
Abstract
This protocol outlines the field methods implemented during a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Summer 2025 (Instructors: Dr. Rowan McLachlan & Dr. Nathan Kirk). In this course, 25 undergraduate students participated in authentic research to establish three long-term monitoring sites for the intertidal sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima near Charleston, Oregon. The primary aim of this document is to provide a standardized framework that can be replicated in future iterations of the course to ensure methodological consistency across years. Although designed for this system, these methods can be readily adapted for long-term monitoring of other intertidal invertebrate species.

Anthopleura elegantissima commonly forms dense, clonal aggregations that can dominate large areas of the rocky intertidal zone. Through rapid asexual reproduction via fission, colonies expand and frequently encounter neighboring colonies. These encounters often involve territorial aggression, resulting in shifts in colony boundaries and competitive outcomes. Establishing permanent monitoring sites enables the quantification of variation in competitive ability among colonies, as well as the tracking of colony size, spatial structure, and dynamics over time.

This protocol is organized into the following sections:
  1. Fieldwork preparation
  2. Select anemone monitoring sites
  3. Tag anemone colonies
  4. Collect detailed field notes
  5. Establish a permanent transect and measure anemone centroid distances
  6. Record GPS coordinates of anemone colonies
  7. Measure tidal height of anemone colonies
  8. Count anemone polyps per colony
  9. Specimen collection (optional)
  10. Exiting the field site
Materials

Reusable Materials:
  • 18V lithium-ion cordless 1/2" hammer drill + side handle, battery & charger
  • 1/4" masonry drill bit
  • Huepar 621CG 360 degree laser level (single plane, Tripod Mount Thread (1/4" & 5/8"), auto self leveling)
  • Huepar LR8RG - laser detector/line laser receiver
  • 3 or more five-gallon buckets
  • Water-resistant marker pen (e.g., SharpieTM)
  • Rite in the RainTM weatherproof side spiral notebook, 4.625" x 7"
  • Numerical & letter 3mm metal punch stamp set
  • Hammer
  • Eye protection glasses
  • Hand crank with a 1/4" head
  • Telescoping leveling rod (aluminum)
  • Tripod with built-in bubble level indicator
  • Small handheld cooler
  • Clipboard
  • Quart-sized ziplock freezer bags

Non-Reusable Materials:
  • Field metadata sheets: Download Metadata Sheet.pdfMetadata Sheet.pdf
  • 1/4 x 1 stainless steel fender washer, type 316
  • #10-12 x 1" plastic conical anchor
  • 1/4" x 3" hex head lag screw bolts (stainless steel-partial thread)
  • 8.5" x 11" Rite in the RainTM Duracopy waterproof copier paper

Software:

Safety warnings
  • Always Watch the Ocean: Stay aware of wave activity at all times. Sneaker waves can appear unexpectedly and inundate a field site quickly.
  • Beware of Slippery and Sharp Surfaces: The intertidal zone is often uneven terrain covered with algae. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction to prevent slips and protect against cuts from sharp rocks.
  • Biological Hazard Warning: Nematocysts of Anthopleura anemones typically cannot penetrate human skin, but repeated or prolonged handling may cause sensitization and allergic reactions. Attempt to reduce repeated longterm exposure.
Ethics statement
All the Anthopleura elegantissima specimens used in this protocol were collected in compliance with state regulations under the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Scientific Taking Permit (Permit number 28795, Permit Applicant: Maya Watts, Organization: Oregon Institute of Marine Biology). Collection and handling procedures followed University of Oregon institutional guidelines for the ethical use of invertebrates in research and teaching. All efforts were made to minimize stress and potential harm to the animals, and only the number of specimens necessary to achieve the educational and methodological objectives was collected.
Before start
When planning a field day to establish a monitoring site, consider the following conditions to ensure that all data can be collected accurately.

  • Tide Conditions: Verify the tide schedule and select a date with a low tide. Ideally, the tide should be below 0 feet. Some sites can still be worked at tides up to +2 feet, but this may limit the window of access time and efficiency.
  • Weather Conditions: Check the forecast in advance. Overcast or light rain may be manageable, but if it is misty, the laser level cannot be used to obtain accurate tidal height measurements.
  • Timing of Arrival: Plan to arrive at the site 1–2 hours before the lowest tide. This provides sufficient setup time and ensures you can maximize work during the lowest water levels.
  • Seasonal Considerations: The lowest tides generally occur during the summer months, though the exact degree of low tide will vary by location and date.

Section 1: Fieldwork Preparation
Before Field Checklist. To prepare for a successful field excursion, complete this checklist before leaving.

  1. Determine colony numbering system. For example, we are using three digit codes starting at 100, 200, 300, where the first number indicates a field site, 1=Bastendorff Beach 2=Lighthouse Beach, etc.
  2. Stamp washers with unique colony IDs. Following the guide (Fig. 2Ai) and the instructions in step 7, ensure all the IDs are visible.
  3. Charge the drill batteries to full.
  4. Print the metadata sheet Download Metadata Sheet.pdfMetadata Sheet.pdf on Rite in the Rain paper and place on a clipboard. Multiple copies will be necessary if more than 15 colonies will be tagged.
  5. Label ziploc baggies using a sharpie with IDs
  6. Download the Gaia app (https://www.gaiagps.com/register/) for taking GPS readings and create an account.
  7. Put fresh batteries in the laser and laser detector

Packing the Buckets. Here is a checklist of items that should be packed into 5 gal buckets for the field.
  • Drill with battery and bit
  • Stamped washers
  • Plastic anchors
  • Screws
  • Eye protection
  • Hand crank
  • Tripod
  • Laser
  • Laser Detector
  • Leveling rod
  • Hand clicker counters
  • Bright-colored string
  • Field metadata sheets with clipboards

Section 2: Select Anemone Monitoring Sites
Why establish a longterm monitoring site for aggression? The reason for establishing these long term monitoring sites is to quantify natural variation in competitive ability of Anthopleura elegantissima colonies in the intertidal.
Select a site with accessible, warring colonies. Select a survey site that contains multiple anemone colonies in an accessible area of the intertidal zone, where it is unlikely to be seasonally buried by sand. Ideal colonies for long-term monitoring are typically found on sea stacks or rocky outcrops surrounded by sandy beaches.
Select interacting colonies for tagging. For our experiment, colonies that are actively engaging in territory aggression will be prioritized for tagging. When selecting specific colonies to tag, pinpointing specific aggression signs will be important, as they signify areas where anemones are actively fighting for territory. Tracking a colony's progression over time will give insight into the competitive ability of the species and can be correlated to other factors associated with the colony (e.g. size, location, nematocyst density, sex)
Differentiate between suitable and unsuitable colonies for monitoring. Once a study area has been established, identify colonies that are well positioned for monitoring and/or show signs of inter-colony aggression. When assessing colonies, record observations on the following distinguishing features and indicators of monitoring suitability:
• Demilitarized zones (DMZs) — These occur where neighboring colonies are competing for territory and are visible as narrow, uncolonized strips between colonies (Fig. 1A).
• Acrorhagi — These are white-tipped defensive structures located underneath the tentacles used in fighting (Fig. 1B). When anemones are immersed, acrorhagi appear as small white bumps located beneath the feeding tentacles.
Figure 1. A) Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between two warring colonies. Red arrows indicate unsettled areas where fighting occurs. B) Acrorhagi fighting tentacles extended between two warring colonies.
Lastly, colonies selected for monitoring should not be too small (fewer than 50 polyps), as sampling would have a substantial impact on colony size. Colonies should also not be too large (e.g. more than 2,000 polyps), as they become unrealistic to hand-count in the field. The perimeter of each colony needs to be fairly easy to identify, as we will be tracking colony growth over time. Therefore, colonies should not occur under rocks or overhangs that make them inaccessible, nor should they have ambiguous margins.
Section 3: Tag Anemone Colonies
Why tag colonies? To establish a long-term monitoring site, we must ensure we can reliably return to the same locations in the intertidal zone for repeated data collection from the same colonies. Because this landscape changes rapidly, it can be challenging to set a permanent marker that will remain in place during tidal inundation. This is achieved by drilling a screw into the rock and permanently affixing a stamped washer to it. These tags mark specific colonies that can be relocated over time, allowing us to consistently monitor and document changes.
Stamp washer with colony ID. Each colony selected for monitoring will need an individual colony ID number stamped into a washer, which will be affixed to the rock adjacent to the colony. Place the washer on a hard, flat surface and align the punch stamp. Deliver one firm strike with a hammer for each number or letter. Stamp each washer with a unique colony ID that is not repeated. Ensure the number is positioned along the marginal edge of the washer so it will not be covered by the screw once affixed (Fig. 2Aiii).

Note: It is important to strike the stamp firmly enough that the entire number or letter is clearly imprinted. Avoid hitting the stamp multiple times, as it may shift between strikes and result in unclear markings (Fig. 2Ai).
Select location for permanent drill tag. Choose a location on the rock that is neither crumbly nor heavily pitted, ensuring the screw will remain secure and the rock will not fracture. The tag should be in a visible area adjacent to the colony (Fig. 2B) but not in a demilitarized zone (DMZ) between colonies or in an area where the colony may expand (Fig. 2C).

Set permanent tag. Don protective eyewear. Fit a 1/4-inch concrete/masonry drill bit into a cordless hammer drill (Fig. 2D). Drill a hole at least 3 inches deep into the rock (Fig. 2E). Insert a 1-inch plastic drywall anchor into the hole, push it down with a finger (Fig. 2F), and tap it gently with a hammer until the anchor is flush with the rock surface (Fig. 2G). Place the stamped washer (ID side up) onto a 3-inch hex-head screw, then insert it into the drilled hole (Fig. 2H). Using a hand crank fitted with a 1/4-inch hex head, screw the bolt in until approximately 1/3 inch remains protruding from the rock (Figs. 2I, J).

Note: Drilling will produce rock dust and debris, which can cover anemones in the colony. Rinse away the debris before taking photographs or videos.


Figure 2. Ai) An unclear stamp that has been hit multiple times. Aii) A stamp that is too close to the inner hole and will be covered once screwed in. Aiii) A well placed, and clearly stamped washer
B) A good location for a permanent drill tag that is far away enough from the colony and not in an active DMZ. C) A poor location for a tag because it is too close to the colony, and is an area of possible colony expansion. D) Drill put together with banner and bit. E) Drill a hole for the permanent tag with protective eyewear. F) Push in the the drywall 1 inch plastic anchor with your finger. G) Hammer in the plastic anchor until it is flush with the rock. H) Place a 1/4"x 3" hex head bolt with a stamped washer facing up in the hole. I) Screw in the bolt with a hand crank fitted with a 1/4" hex head. J) Finished tag with ~1/3 inch of the bolt sticking out.

Section 4: Collect Detailed Field Notes
Why collect metadata and detailed notes? Recording comprehensive metadata during ensures that all relevant information about each colony and field session is preserved for future reference. This documentation will allow us to accurately relocate colonies, track changes over time, and cross-reference observations across different field seasons. Thorough metadata also provides a safeguard against memory gaps and helps standardize data collection among different team members.
Metadata sheet requirements. Print a metadata sheet for every field session. Record the date and time of arrival. Assign each colony a unique ID and a dedicated row on the sheet, then fill out the corresponding boxes with the collected data. Once the field session is complete, take a clear photo of the filled sheet and upload it to a shared workspace (e.g., Google Drive, Box, OneDrive) for long-term storage.
Colony-level notes and recommendations. Use the designated space on the metadata sheet to record detailed notes about each individual colony. These notes will assist in identifying colonies during future visits and will serve as an important reference if memory fades after leaving the field. Observations should include:
  • General color of the colony (e.g., greenish, brownish, white).
  • Presence of acrorhagi extended towards neighboring colonies.
  • Evidence of spawning (brown or orange cloudy eggs and white, milky sperm can sometimes be seen)
  • Notable features of the surrounding benthic community (e.g., “Northern edge of colony bounded by barnacle cluster”).
  • Proximity to other colonies — whether touching, adjacent, or isolated.
  • Presence of other anemone species in the area, such as Anthopleura xanthogrammica.
  • Degree of shading — whether the colony is in full sun, partial shade, or full shade.

Section 5: Establish A Permanent Transect and Measure Anemone Centroid Distances
Why establish a permanent transect and measure centroid distances? Intertidal and beach morphology can change dramatically over time due to tides, storms, and seasonal sediment movement. These changes can make it difficult to relocate tagged colonies in future years. A permanent transect provides a fixed reference line within the study site, while centroid distance measurements allow precise mapping of each colony’s location relative to this line. This, along with the permanent tags ensures colonies can be accurately relocated for long-term monitoring, even if the surrounding landscape changes.
Lay down the transect through the site. The permanent transect should be placed through the approximate center of the field site. Using a 100 m transect tape, run the line from the seaward edge of the site toward the shore (Fig. 3). Choose a start point (“0 m”) closest to the ocean and an endpoint furthest from the ocean. The endpoint should be positioned one to two meters beyond the tagged colony that is furthest from the water.

Figure 3. A transect line run through a long term monitoring site. Both the start and end points are selected after the line is laid down. The beginning of the transect is closest to the ocean and the end of the transect is furthest. The end point is dependent on the colony that is tagged and furthest from the water.

Set permanent tags at the start and end points. Select sturdy rock surfaces at both the start and end points that can securely hold a permanent tag (see step 5 for drilling instructions). Install a screw anchor and mark it with either an unstamped washer or no washer at all. Record the GPS coordinates for both the start and end points of the transect (see step 18).
Measure centroid distances for each colony. Once the transect is in place, measure the centroid distance of each colony. First, determine the cardinal directions on either side of the transect line. For each colony:
  1. Run a measuring line directly perpendicular from the transect to the center of the colony.
  2. Record the perpendicular distance from the transect to the colony (Fig. 4).
  3. Note the point along the transect where the perpendicular line intersects it (Fig. 4).
  4. Record the cardinal direction of the colony relative to the transect (e.g., “Colony 105 is located north of the transect”).
Repeat these steps for every colony and record all measurements on the master data sheet.

Figure 4. How to take the centroid distance of a colony. Lay a line from the transect to the colony to determine the distance from the transect to the colony. Mark the distance along the permanent transect that the colony occurs.

Section 6: Record GPS Coordinates of Anemone Colonies
GPS reading options. Every colony will need an individual GPS reading (Latitude, Longitude) to at least 5 decimal points (0.00001). You may use a traditional handheld GPS unit, or the Gaia smartphone app. The free version can be dowloaded to a mobile device at this link (https://www.gaiagps.com/register/).

Using the Gaia app, hold the phone over the center of the colony (Fig. 5A). Navigate to the main map page and press the locator button (Fig 5B). Press the plus button to add a measurement (Fig. 5C). Select the way point option (Fig. 5D) and a point will be dropped at the location. Change the name of the waypoint to the coloy's identifying number/letter (Fig. 5E). Lastly, press the save button to save the measurement (Fig. 5F).

To access the waypoints taken and transfer them to the mater data sheet, press the saved folder button on the main menu at the bottom of the screen (Fig. 5G).


Figure 5. A) Hold the phone directly over the colony to get an accurate measurement. B) Locate the phone. B) Press the plus button to add a measurement. C) Select a waypoint from the list. D) Change the name of the waypoint to colony ID. E) Save the waypoint to the saved folder and map. F) Access all the waypoints set and the latitude and longitude information.


Section 7: Measure Tidal Height of Anemone Colonies
Why measure tidal height? Tidal height measurements can be used to standardize comparisons between sites by linking each colony to its relative position in the tidal zone. This data provides important context for environmental exposure (e.g., submersion time, temperature, and desiccation risk), and will help us to identify vertical zonation patterns between colonies.
Set up tripod with laser. Tidal height measurements will be taken using a Huepar 360° Vertical Line Laser and the corresponding Huepar laser detector. If another brand is used, refer to the materials section for the required specifications to ensure data compatibility.

Choose a spot that is relatively flat, within the field site, and above all the tagged colonies to set up the tripod. Pull the lever on the top of the tripod (Fig. 6A), then insert the attachment peg of the laser into the slot (Fig. 6B) and secure it in place. Use the bubble level on the tripod (arrow in Fig. 6A) to ensure the laser is perfectly level. Once the tripod is stable and level, flip the side lock on the laser to the “unlocked” position (Fig. 6C) to power it on. If the laser is flashing, it is not sufficiently level; adjust the tripod until the flashing stops.

The laser projects both horizontal and vertical lines, but only the horizontal line is needed for tidal height measurements. Press the laser button to switch modes until only the horizontal line is visible (Figs. 6D–E). Finally, press the locator button on the laser to activate the signal for the detector (Fig. 6F).

Set up laser detector and leveling rod. Attach the clamp to the laser detector using the screw on the clamp (see Fig. 6G). Adjust the width of the clamp as needed using the screw at the opposite end of the clamp (Fig. 6G). Fully extend the measuring rod, then slide the clamp with the attached laser detector onto the rod and securely fasten it in place (Fig. 6H). Next, fully extend the leveling rod and place the leveler into the designated slot (Fig. 6I).

Figure 6. A) The attachment slot on the tripod in the open position. The arrow points to the level bubble. B) Huepar 360 degree laser, arrow indicates attachment peg on laser. C) To turn the laser on flip the side switch from lock to unlock. D) Press the laser button indicated by the arrow to turn off the vertical line and just display the horizontal line. E) The correct laser set up with just the horizontal line showing. If the incorrect setting is showing, press the laser button multiple times until the correct setting. F) The leveling sensor is turned on, with the indicator light on. G) Laser detector with the screw-on clamp attachment. H) Adjust the width of the clamp with the screw on the end I) The laser detector attached to the leveling rod. J) The leveling rod with the level fitted into its slot (arrow).

Take ocean tidal height and time. In a team of two, move to the edge of the water, and place the extendable measuring rod at highest point where the water is hitting on the sand or rocks. (eg. if on a sandy beach with waves, place the stick at the highest point the waves touch.) Have one person hold the leveling stick and use the bubble level to ensure the stick stays straight up and down (Fig. 7A). Loosen the clamp attachment on the measuring stick (Fig. 7B) and move it up and down along the stick until the sensor begins beeping, signaling that it has picked up the laser. Utilize the up and down arrows which will flash orange (Fig. 7C), and the beeping tone to find center and indicated by the light turning green (Fig. 7D). Tighten the clamp on the sensor to secure it to the rod and record the height along the top of the plastic clamp (Fig. 6H). Lastly record the time of the measurement.

Take ocean tidal height and time. In a team of two, place the extendable measuring rod at the highest point where the water touches the sand or rocks (for example, on a sandy beach with waves, place the rod where the waves reach their highest point). One person should hold the leveling stick upright, using the bubble level to ensure it remains vertical (Fig. 7D). Loosen the clamp attachment on the measuring rod (Fig. 6G) and slide it up or down until the sensor begins beeping, indicating it has detected the laser. Use the up and down arrows, which flash orange (Fig. 7A), along with the beeping tone to precisely center the sensor, confirmed when the light turns green (Fig. 7B). Tighten the clamp to secure the sensor on the rod and record the height at the top edge of the plastic clamp (Fig. 7C). Finally, note the time of the measurement.

Take the height of all tagged colonies. For each of the tagged colonies, select a spot in the center of the colony and place the measuring rod (Fig. 7E). Firmly press the end of the measuring rod into the colony, so that the anemones expel their water. This will ensure that the tidal height measurement is accurate, and don't worry the anemones will quickly recover! Using the method in step 14 and measure the height of the colony. There is no need to take the time for height measurements of colonies. Repeat this for every tagged colony.

Measure the height of all tagged colonies. For each colony, select a spot near its center and place the measuring rod there (Fig. 7E). Measure the colony’s height using the method above (step 21). There is no need to record the time for these measurements. Repeat this process for every tagged colony.
Take the ocean tidal height and time again. After measuring the height of all the colonies, move back to the edge of the water. Use the method in step 21 to measure the height of the highest point which the water touches again. Record the time.
Figure 7. A) The up and down arrows on the Huepar laser sensor turn orange when the sensor needs to move up or down on the measuring rod. B) The green light illuminated on the laser sensor indicates that the laser is level with the top of the plastic clamp, and in the right spot to be secured to the rod. C) The top of the plastic clamp acts as the marker for measuring the height. In this example the height of the ocean is 6' 3.25". D) The leveling bubble on the measuring rod should be within the center circle while the sensor is being adjusted. E) Place the measuring rod in the center of the colony.

Calculating tidal height in excel.
Go onto the NOAA website and find the nearest tidal monitor, download the data for the survey day.
Extract the survey period from the data and convert it to meters
Section 8: Count Anemone Polyps Per Colony
Use grid/string outline and clicker to count polyps. Hand counting colonies can be tedious, but there is a process to make it a bit easier.

1. Remove all large debris. Anemones like to hold onto large debris such as algae and seagrass. Remove any of this debris covering the colony

2. Determine the boundary of the colony. Use obvious demilitarized zones and the presence of acrorhagi to define the colony edges. This should have been done in step 2, but rechecking for any differences in opinion is helpful. If boundaries are unclear, use the standard that colonies are separated by at least one anemone width.

3. Mark the boundary. Use a brightly colored string or line to outline the colony closely along its edge (Fig. 9A).

4. Make a grid. For small colonies (<50–150 polyps), a grid may not be necessary. For larger colonies (>200 polyps), create a grid over the colony using string to aid counting (Fig. 9B).

5. Hand clicker to count. Using a hand clicker, count all of the polyps in the colony. As you count, gently poke each anemone so it retracts slightly, helping you track which ones have been counted (Fig. 9C).

Record the count on the master data sheet along with the initials of the counter.

Figure 9. A) Colony surrounded by a colorful string to signify boundaries for counting. B) A string grid placed over the colony for ease when counting. C) Hand counting the colony with a clicker using the touch method.

Handcount repetition three times. Each colony should be hand-counted three separate times by three different people. Record each count on the metadata sheet along with the initials of the person who performed the count.

Note: Repetition is important for hand counts due to the high variability and potential for error between different counters.
Section 9: Specimen Collection (optional)
Collect polyps for further analysis.
Select polyps for collection that are near the middle of the colony and located on a flat surface—not in a hole or crevice. Polyps from the middle are traditionally reproductive and best suited for sexing. Using your fingernail, gently wedge under the edge of the pedal disk and carefully peel the anemone off the rock taking care not to damage the pedal disk (Fig. 10A).

Fill a labeled ziploc bag halfway with seawater, place the polyp(s) inside, and seal the bag securely (Fig. 10B). Place the bags in a cooler to keep them cool during transport, and bring them to a running seawater table within an hour to ensure the polyps do not get too stressed.

Figure 10. How to collect a poly from a colony. A) Every polyp needs its own individually labeled bag. B) Wedge your fingernail underneath the pedal disk of the anemone and gently peel it off the strata. C) Fill the baggie ~1/2 full with water and seal the polyp inside.

Section 10: Exiting the Field-Site
Final field site checks. Before leaving the field site ensure the following things:

  • Check that the metadata sheet has been completely filled out
  • All colonies have a drilled tag
  • All colonies have both centroid distance measurements
  • All colonies have a photo taken
  • The transect has been picked up
  • All supplies packed up in buckets
  • Collected polyps in cooler

Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology for providing access to teaching facilities, equipment, and support from faculty and staff. We thank the administrative staff, Laura Screen and Shawna Johnston, for their assistance in ordering supplies and materials. Special thanks are extended to Ian Washington, Education Support Specialist, for his support in setting up the teaching laboratory space and equipment, as well as for his help in locating additional supplies. Finally, we thank all students enrolled in the Summer 2025 CURE course BI457 Anemones at War for their contributions in refining and troubleshooting the methods described in this protocol.