Okavango Delta Expedition

Aquatic scientists rely on a variety of tools to get the job done. Here are tools AquaRAP scientists say are essential to their work:

The Grab	Barbara Curtis uses a scoop net to collect invertebrates.

The grab is a hinged metal box used to collect bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Scientists lower the grab into the water in an open position; when it hits bottom, it automatically closes, capturing a sample of sediment inside. After it's hauled up, the contents are emptied into a tray where snails, mussels, and other invertebrates can be identified.

Scoop net

This tool is a scoop of metal mesh attached to a long pole. It's designed for sampling invertebrates in shallow water, primarily snails, by scraping and lifting out sediment.

Tub

Although it's nothing fancy, a plastic tub is essential for holding a water sample while the field scientist collects organisms from it.

AquaRAP's invertebrates team uses tweezers to grab tiny larvae and other organisms from the tub.

(left) Leeanne Alonso uses tweezers to grab tiny organisms from the tub.

– Reported by Clare Nielsen

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