It's Not What You Think!

A couple of friends who are heavily involved as volunteers in the Salmon in the Schools science program asked me to take some photos at a salmon dissection today. 

The object in the photo is the swim bladder, which helps the fish maintain correct buoyancy.

As each of the various organs and body parts of the fish -- a male chum -- were removed, they were passed around on paper plates for close scrutiny, then spread out on a table for hands-on evaluation later. It looked like a very unappealing smorgasbord!

The kids clearly had a good time, and so did I!