Student reports from Ann Bodio, student technician, June 2002, first week at work at the Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group. Richard Karney is the director.

"My tasks today (first day at work) were mostly cleaning and disinfecting the supplies with iodine, ... feed the oysters...and be sure that I was getting things as clean as possible so that nothing will contaminate the shellfish...Put crushed egg shells in the sieves so the shellfish can cement themselves to the shells instead of to the sieves. .... Overall, I think it was a good day. I got pretty wet and my legs are sore, but it was still fun."

"Look(ed) at oysters cemented to the crushed egg shells under the microscope, cleaned (filter) bags, drained tables and replaced the water, cleaned sieves, and ...fed the oysters....There was a lot of water on the floor, so I sque(egeed) the floors."

"Once I got in, Richard asked it I would mind ...cleaning the (filter) bags...not the greatest job, but it needs to get done.... ...clean the sieves and equipment...feed the oysters...and the larvae...sque(egee) the floors..."

(Today)..."....I am going to be filling out (employment) paperwork for my new position..."

"When I got to work, I started on my regular routine. I cleaned the filter bags... The next task is cleaning the sieves with iodine.....I think this week went well...."