Fauna Sample Processing

Fauna samples are preserved in a solution of formalin and rose bengal dye. The dye stains organic tissue which makes the fauna easier to see and sort from the sediment. Laboratory staff separate and count all animals in fauna samples in order to estimate population abundances.

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FWC Facts:
Sawfish look like sharks but are more closely related to rays. Their gill slits are on the bottom of their bodies, like stingrays.

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