NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

October 5, 2026

From Otoliths to Officers: Exploring the Science and Mission of NOAA, Sept. 20, 2026

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Krista Fleming

Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II

September 5-20, 2026

Mission: Shark/Red Snapper Bottom Longline Survey, Leg 3

Geographic Area of Cruise: Western Gulf of America

Date: September 20, 2026

Science and Technology Log: Otoliths, Red Snapper, and SEDAR

One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about this trip is how willing the scientists are to explain their research. I’ve learned quite a bit about otoliths, small structures inside a fish’s head that help with balance and hearing. They also record a fish’s growth throughout its life. By studying the growth rings in an otolith, scientists can determine the age of a fish, much like counting the rings on a tree.

Dr. Tera Winters studies otoliths and the information they provide about fish age and growth. Knowing the age of red snapper helps scientists understand how quickly they grow, when they mature, how long they live, and the age structure of the population. It gives scientists a better idea of what is happening within the population rather than simply knowing how many fish were caught.

I even had the opportunity to remove otoliths myself. We caught a red snapper that had been partially eaten—we assume by a shark—so I removed its otoliths to bring back and use when teaching my students. I also assisted Dr. Trey Driggers and Dr. Winters with removing otoliths from other red snapper that will be used for further research. It was a great opportunity to take something I’ve learned aboard the ship and bring it back to my classroom.

close-up photo of two fish ear bones extracted, cleaned, on a surface — Otoliths that I removed from a red snapper!

The information collected from these otoliths becomes part of SEDAR (Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review), which brings together years of data from scientific surveys, commercial and recreational fisheries, and biological samples to assess fish populations. These assessments help scientists and fishery managers understand population size, age structure, growth, and mortality, and provide information used in making decisions about managing fisheries. It’s pretty amazing to think that something as small as an otolith can help tell the much bigger story of red snapper in the Gulf of America.

Krista, wearing a life vest, boots, yellow gloves, and her Teacher at Sea hat, stands on the aft deck of NOAA Ship Oregon II. she holds up a red snapper in each hand, grasping the line still connected to the hook in each fish's mouth. the sky and water are bright blue. — Two red snapper that were saved for research purposes.

Personal Log

Before I left, I got the chance to tour the engine room with Mike Fountain, a Junior Engineer aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II. He showed me how the engineering crew keeps all of the ship’s systems running. One thing that surprised me was that we take salt water and turn it into drinking water right here on the ship. Mike showed me the system and explained how the process works.

I was amazed by the size of the engines and the number of gauges and systems they have to monitor. There are so many things happening below deck to meet the needs of everyone onboard and keep the ship running.

I also met with Chief Engineer Joe Howe, who gave me more insight into the day-to-day operations in the engine room. He explained just how much the engineering crew has to keep track of while we are at sea.

I’ve spent most of my time learning what happens on the deck and in the labs, so it was interesting to get a look at another part of the ship. It definitely gave me a greater appreciation for the crew members working behind the scenes to keep the NOAA Ship Oregon II moving and all of us supported while we do our work at sea.

Ship Engines

NOAA Corps Aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II

One of the things I really enjoyed learning about during my time aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II was the NOAA Corps and the important role these officers play in making NOAA’s scientific missions possible. I spent some time on the bridge, where I was able to see the officers at work and learn about everything they monitor and manage while the ship is underway. I learned about navigation, ship handling, communications, safety, weather conditions, and planning the ship’s movements. I was especially surprised by how much weather and environmental data is collected from the bridge. The officers make regular observations and monitor conditions that contribute to NOAA’s larger understanding of the ocean and atmosphere. Seeing this firsthand helped me realize that the bridge is not just where the ship is “driven”—it is an important part of the data collection and scientific mission as well.

I also learned that NOAA Corps officers typically spend about two years assigned to a ship before moving to a shore assignment, generally for two to three years. Throughout their careers, they can move through different positions and take on increasing levels of responsibility, from junior bridge officers to Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and eventually Commanding Officer.

Commander Jesse Milton, the Commanding Officer of the Oregon II, was a wealth of knowledge and experience. I especially enjoyed hearing about his 13-month expedition to Antarctica and learning from his experiences there. Listening to him talk about his career gave me a better understanding of just how many different opportunities and experiences can come with serving in the NOAA Corps.

One of my biggest takeaways was seeing how closely the NOAA Corps, ship’s crew, and scientists work together. Everyone has a different role, but all of those roles have to come together for the mission to be successful. The scientists depend on the ship and its crew to safely get them where they need to go, while the officers and crew work to make sure the vessel can support the research being conducted.

Spending time on the bridge gave me a completely different perspective on what happens behind the scenes of a scientific expedition. I came aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II expecting to learn about fisheries science and the research being conducted, but I left with a much greater appreciation for the people who operate the ship and make that research possible.

Reflection

view of sunset or sunrise out a round portal window on the ship — View out portal window

My time aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II was an incredible learning experience that expanded my understanding of marine science far beyond what I could have imagined. From studying red snapper and collecting otoliths to learning about shark research, tagging, and fisheries management, I had the opportunity to work alongside scientists and experience firsthand how research is conducted at sea. I also gained a greater appreciation for the engineering, navigation, and daily operations that keep the ship running, as well as the important role of the NOAA Corps in supporting scientific missions. Most importantly, I built lasting connections with an incredible group of scientists, officers, and crew members who were willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I am returning to my classroom with new knowledge, real-world experiences, and ideas that I can share with my students to help bring marine science to life. This experience has strengthened my passion for environmental education and reminded me that learning never stops, especially when you step outside the classroom and become part of the science yourself.

September 30, 2026

Melina Vella: “Spot” the Difference, September 16, 2026

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Melina Vella

Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow

September 10 – 30, 2026

Mission: Northeast Fisheries Science Center Bottom Trawl Survey – Leg 1

Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast Atlantic U.S. Coast

Date: September 16, 2026

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 35º06’30.5927”N

Longitude: 075º14’04.2990”W

Wind: Northwest wind at 10 knots

Air Temperature: 25.2ºC (77.3ºF)

Science and Technology Log

Let me set the scene of an average tow for you. A conveyor belt of flopping fish (and others) moving at a rate of, what I estimate, sometimes hundreds of fish a minute. Practiced hands are moving with precision and speed to pick out dozens of fish and place them into their respective buckets. Oh–also–the ship is reorienting itself towards the next survey station so there’s a fair bit of unpredictable jostling. Gushing water sloshes around inches deep on the floor. The sensory experience is unlike any I’ve experienced before.

close-up view of a pile of fish on a nondiscernable surface. Most of the fish are one of two small, similar species, both silvery with yellow pectoral fins. in the foreground is a horseshoe crab; two other horseshoe crabs, lying amid the fish at odd angles, appear toward the back of the photo. — Quick–what species do you see?? I spy a couple horseshoe crabs, croaker, and some spot…

It’s overwhelming, but also such a thrill. I’d describe it as a similar experience as one of those blind boxes you can get at your local toy store. Just like the outside of the box has pictures of the types of toys you’ll get, we have a fairly good idea about what species to expect. But, there’s always the chance you might pull a never-been-seen-before fish.

Melina, wearing orange overalls and large blue latex gloves, grins as she holds up a small skate (type of fish similar to a ray) for a photo. she is in the wet lab. — Holding a small Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria), one of my favorite skates that I see often in the Delaware Bay!

For the first few days, it felt like everyone was speaking in code, especially when it came to the names of some of the animals we were catching. I’d never heard the words “Loligo” or “Illex” in my whole life. Eventually, though, I figured out that those terms translated to “squid,” and that’s as far as I’ve gotten.

five small squid laid out at random on an electronic measuring board. they are not yet arranged straight against the measurement line. the largest may be 20 centimeters. — Squid lined up on the fish measuring board.

I’ve put together this brief list of must-know species that we commonly encounter that are frequently mistaken for one another. Maybe by the end of the trip I’ll be able to tell them apart…

Squid: Illex & Loligo

There are quite a few types of squid we could come across during our survey, to include Shortfin (Illex illecebrosus) and Longfin Squid (Doryteuthis pealeii). Illex have shorter triangular fins than the rounded longer fins of a Loligo. The skin of a Loligo will slough off more easily. Coloration also varies between the two squid, with Illex more of an orange-brown and Loligo leaning purple and pink.

scientific illustration of a shortfin squid — Illex are also called Shortfin or Summer Squid (NOAA Fisheries).

scientific illustration of a longfin inshore squid — Loligo are also called Longfin Inshore Squid, Winter Squid, and Boston Squid. They have had multiple scientific names, some of which include the Loligo genus (NOAA Fisheries).

close-up photo of a small squid against a blue background; its triangular fins are extended — An Illex specimen showing off its triangular fins (Photo by Fisheries and Oceans Canada via WoRMS).

close-up view of a pile of small squid on an electronic measuring board - these are only 6 to 8 centimeters — A pile of small Loligo (which we endearingly nickname “small-igo”) on the fish measuring board before processing.

Spot & Atlantic Croaker

You’d think this one would be intuitive for me, considering this Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) and Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) are the two of the fish we catch the most during our seining programs at the Nature Center, but unfortunately not. The most helpful tip is that a spot will have, well, a spot!

close-up image of a spot against a white background — Spot have a more slender body and rounded snout (North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality).

close-up photo of an Atlantic croaker against a gray background — Atlantic Croakers have much more heft to them, as well as a slight protruding point to their caudal fin, or tail (Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall).

However, especially when dozens of them are flopping vigorously and moving on a conveyor belt, that tiny spot can be hard to find. The area on a croaker where the pectoral fin meets the body can also be dark and round (not unlike a spot’s spot…).

Four-Spot, Ocellated, Windowpane, & Summer Flounder

I’ve always been fond of flatfish. They’re such a funky shape (and typically quite delicious as well). At the Nature Center, we had an adorable Summer Flounder named June.

a fish tank. small laminated cards line the top outer edge of the tank - they contain photos and names of the species in the tank. we can see a small flatfish on the front pane of glass, aligned with its tail pointing upward and its face toward the sand. — June the Summer Flounder pressed against the tank vertically.

We’ve come across plenty of flatfish during this cruise. The main ones that I have the most trouble telling apart are the Fourspot (Hippoglossina oblonga), Ocellated (Ancylopsetta quadrocellata), Windowpane (Scophthalmus aquosus), and Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). All four of these species are left-eyed flatfish, meaning that if you placed the fish with the mouth oriented upwards below the eyes, they would be on the left side of the fish.

scientific illustration of a peacock flounder — A Peacock Flounder (*Bothus lunatus*) is a left-eyed flatfish found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean (Animal Diversity Web).

close-up view of a very circular, very stripey flatfish in a white bucket of water. its tail is like a small circle attached to a large one. — We caught a very distinct right-eyed flatfish, the Naked Sole (*Gymnachirus nudus*).

So, the eyed-ness (that’s not a word but you know what I mean) is not gonna help you much with differentiating this quartet of resemblant fish; you’ll have to zoom in and take a closer look at their unique features.

A Fourspot Flounder will have four very distinct eye-like dark spots, called ocelli. They are situated in pairs with one pair closer towards the tail and the other in the middle of the body. Of course, it’s not just the fourspot flounder that will have four spots.

The Ocellated Flounder will also have four large ocelli, but they will be distributed across the body differently. Three of an Ocellated Flounder’s spots will be in a triangle shape towards the right half of the body and the last spot above the pectoral fin.

scientific illustration of a fourspot flounder — Fourspot Flounder (*Hippoglossina oblonga)*
(Illustration by H.L. Todd Illustration, Courtesy University of Washington Libraries via DNREC)

photo of an ocellated flounder against sand; we can see the four large spots — Ocellated Flounder (*Ancylopsetta quadrocellata*) (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)

Lastly, the Windowpane and Summer Flounders are going to have smaller spots scattered along their bodies. Windowpane Flounder are named for their thin, near-transparent bodies. They are more rounded than the other similar oval-shaped flounders. Windowpane Flounders have many small dark spots. In contrast, Summer Flounders typically have five larger prominent ocelli towards the tail-end of the body. Summer Flounder can reach up to forty inches, whereas windowpane tend to max out around about half that. Another helpful diagnostic feature is that the dorsal (upper) fin of a Windowpane Flounder will have fringed rays towards the front, almost like little hairs.

close-up photo of a windowpane flounder on a white background — Windowpane Flounder (*Scophthalmus aquosus)*
(Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)

close-up photo of a summer flounder on a white background — Summer Flounder (*Paralichthys dentatus)*
(Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)

Aw, Shucks

I’ve been lucky to have some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever encountered over the past week. The whole mission is an indescribable undertaking, and one of the ways those onboard are rewarded is through being able to eat our catch.

It’s truly a group effort with every team having a hand in the process in some way. The deck crew is pulling up the giant hauls while coordinating with the bridge. The engineers are scurrying around fixing things before anyone even notices they need repairing.

The science team is measuring and processing. The team estimated this tow to be over 3,000 pounds, with the overwhelming majority of the haul Atlantic Sea Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus).

view of a large bin on deck full of hundreds of scallops. toward the back of the bin, a crewmember with a blue hard hat, rain gear, and life vest reaches an arm into bin. we can see a portion of the net in the background. it is nighttime. — The day watch team was rewarded with a very scallop-y tow (Photo Credit: NOAA SST Ben Tuttle).

Throughout my time on the ship I’ve learned not only a lot of technical science, but also picked up some skills I never knew I’d learn onboard. If you need someone to shuck about a hundred scallops with minimal precision but a lot of enthusiasm, I’m your girl. I’m also not afraid to get my hands dirty (or rather, inky) and prep dozens of Loligo for some fresh calamari.

baskets of scallops — A couple baskets of fresh scallops set aside from the big scallop tow.

buckets of shucked scallops on a sorting table near a measuring board — Shucked scallops being rinsed and bagged.

close-up view of a bowl of scallop pasta — The final product: a fabulous pasta with seared scallops.

We shucked enough scallops to fill a couple plastic bags and handed them off to the galley crew, who whipped up a delicious scallop pasta for lunch the next day.

Personal Log: The Pros and Cons of Night Watch

Pro: Talk about a golden hour!! You’re rewarded halfway through your shift with a sunrise view unlike any you can see on land. The flying bridge gives breathtaking views from all directions.

view of sunrise over the ocean, seen from an outside deck and also through the bridge windows — Looking through the bridge windows from the deck outside.

a tower with satellite instruments, painted red, stands out in the light of the sunrise — A glamour shot of some of the ship’s external instruments.

Cons: My meals are all outta wack! I’m truly a creature of habit–on land I alternate pretty consistently through my go-to breakfast foods of apple cinnamon oatmeal or Lucky Charms. However, when your breakfast is at 11 p.m., what’s the move? Should I be eating the meal the Steward Department saved for me from a few hours before while I was fast asleep, or do I adhere to strict traditional breakfast foods?

Did You Know?

Did you know that some people can’t visualize anything in their mind? It’s estimated that about 1% of people experience a lack of visual imagery, also called aphantasia. Unfortunately for me and my species identification abilities, I fall into this 1%. On the other hand, many of my science team members can mentally call up an image of a fish with such precise colors and details that they basically turn into a walking field guide.

September 21, 2026September 22, 2026

Melina Vella: So What’s the Catch? September 14, 2026

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Melina Vella
Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
September 10 – 30, 2026

Mission: Northeast Fisheries Science Center Bottom Trawl Survey – Leg 1

Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast Atlantic U.S. Coast

Date: September 14, 2026

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 32º05.1946’N

Longitude: 074º54.6321’W

Wind: North wind at 10 knots

Air Temperature: 25.5ºC (77.9ºF)

Science and Technology Log

I discovered this week that the project I am on has a much longer name than I thought. It’s been referred to as the “Bottom Trawl Survey” or “The Mission,” and if we’re feeling really fancy, the “Northeast Bottom Trawl Survey.” However, the formal name is the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Multispecies Bottom Trawl Survey. With a name like that, it makes sense that folks would shorten it, but there’s actually a lot to learn from the whole title.

This NOAA web page will provide you with tons of technical expertise and a great short video explaining the process. It goes into the nitty gritty of the mission, so I encourage you to check that out for a deep dive. But, if you don’t have time to fall down a research rabbit hole, here’s the basics:

The overarching goal of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Multispecies Bottom Trawl Survey (NEFSC BTS) is to gather fisheries data. There’s a lot of information jammed into that one sentence, but it makes much more sense when it’s broken down.

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is part of NOAA’s broader North Atlantic Region, whose range spans from New England to the Mid-Atlantic. Over 70 million people live in the region, many of whom live in coastal or near-coastal zones.

Political map of NOAA's 8 regions: Alaska (its own region), West, Pacific Islands, Central, Great Lakes, North Atlantic, Southeast & Caribbean, and Gulf of America. The states and territories making up a region are all the same color. — Map of NOAA’s regions, with the North Atlantic region highlighted in purple (Map from NOAA).

Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s mission is “to provide the scientific information and tools necessary for productive, sustainable, and healthy marine ecosystems and coastal communities in our region.” There are multiple research facilities scattered along the coast, as well as the country’s oldest public aquarium, Woods Hole Science Aquarium! (Please note that the aquarium is closed through early 2027 for major renovations, but will certainly boast some awesome new exhibits!).

political map of the states of the Northeast NOAA region (Maine to North Carolina) with arrows pointing out the locations of labs in Orono, Maine; Woods Hole, Massachusetts; Narragansett, Rhode Island; Milford, Connecticut; and Sandy Hook, New Jersey. An inset text box reads: "We cover over 160,000 square miles of ocean from North Carolina to Maine." — Functions of the NEFSC are carried out at research facilities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island (Map from NOAA).

The NEFSC’s work doesn’t stop on land, of course. Some specimens have to be collected from their natural habitats, sometimes hundreds of meters beneath the sea surface, and brought back to study. Skipping ahead in our project title, that’s where projects like the Bottom Trawl Survey come in.

A trawl is a type of net used to catch fish and other fun sea creatures. There are different types of trawl nets, all with different goals for catching certain types of animals or adaptations to the physical conditions. For example, the net on NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow has a rockhopper sweep for rocky bottoms.

hands from three different crewmembers reach out to repair a teal fishing net crumpled up on deck — Science and deck crews working to repair the net.

A bottom trawl targets species in, you guessed it, the bottom of the ocean! The net used in the BTS is standardized down to the model of metal connectors and number of knots in the mesh.

simple, flat line drawing of a fishing vessel at the surface of the ocean towing a bottom trawl net, which a few fish have entered, near the ocean bottom — A ship towing a bottom trawl net (NOAA).

When we say that the project is multispecies, the simple definition of “multiple species” almost doesn’t do it justice. There are obviously plenty of fish to be studied, but also shellfish like scallops and crabs. Much of the data collected is used to perform regional stock assessments, or population measurements, of more than 40 species. All finfish and some invertebrates are all weighed and measured. That doesn’t even include all the invertebrates or plants that we don’t catalog further!

about 15 crabs on a sorting table. there are also buckets of different colors. a gloved hand reaches in from the side of the photo to pick up a crab. — A mixture of different species of swimming crabs being sorted.

Melina, wearing orange overalls and blue gloves, smiles for the camera as she holds an angel shark up for a photo — Holding an Angel Shark.

close-up view of two spider crabs placed next to one another (but facing opposite directions) on a measuring board — Spider Crabs lined up on the measuring board.

Lastly, a survey in this case refers to the methodical collection of scientific information. There are standardized protocols to ensure that the year to year data can be used by researchers. Not all species are processed the same. Some are preserved whole in formalin or freezers, others are simply measured. The procedure really depends on the needs of the researcher. Researchers interested in requesting samples can submit online forms that are reviewed and potentially included as collection points in surveys.

Would you believe me if I told you that the fish collection doesn’t even scratch the surface of the projects onboard? There’s environmental, acoustic, biological, and oceanographic data collected throughout the cruise as well. The Deck and Survey Technician teams play a large role in the execution of those projects, so I’ve witnessed fewer of those operations. I’m excited to connect with them and chat about their roles on the ship.

Personal Log: First Watch

The first couple days on the ship have a “summer camp” feel to them. People that see each other only a few times a year but spend almost every single hour together form a unique bond. Every single meal is together, you’re all working towards a specific set of goals. There’s so much shared history. People are bouncing stories back and forth while I quietly observe from the fringes.

Everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful, which is a big relief. Still, though, there’s always that sort of (excuse the bad joke) “fish out of water” feeling of entering an entirely new situation. Trying to remember everyone’s names, faces, job titles, organization affiliations–all of it is swarming around in my brain trying to take hold.

Waking up at 11:00pm and starting a twelve-hour shift is not something I’m accustomed to. Luckily, today was a relatively well-paced day with our work spread out with breaks in between to rest and mentally process the massive influx of information I’ve received. The main thing I did today was orient myself with the workflow of the lab spaces.

There’s a Wet Lab, Dry Lab, Acoustics Lab, Chem Lab, Hydro Lab, and maybe even some other secret labs I’ve yet to discover.

view into the empty wet lab; we see a long, empty sorting table to the left, and neat stacks of white buckets and orange baskets down the center of the photo — A view of the port side of the Wet Lab where the fish are taken in on a conveyer belt for sorting into buckets.

a computer tower and array of 10 monitors at a computer desk — The Acoustics Lab has lots of fancy computers that track important things. Being in here gives me a great view of the cameras of the deck operations so I know what stage of the tow we’re in.

All the online research in the world won’t compare to actually seeing the operation in action. My job was to help sort the fish as it comes down the belt. They get sorted by species, and then sometimes even further divided by size and/or sex. After sorting, they get examined and data is collected. My role was to be a Recorder, meaning I assist with organization of the fish prior to measurement, entering data into the computer system, and labeling samples. It’s extremely overwhelming, like trying to quickly learn a new language, but even after one shift I’ve already got a better handle on it.

a hand reaching in from the right of a photo grasps a fish; hands to the left of the photo hold a field guide open to a page with illustrations similar to the fish. in the background, there is a fish measuring board and several computer screens. — Identifying a fish at a workstation in the Wet Lab.

Did You Know?

NOAA was officially established in 1970 to combine the country’s first agencies for physical science (U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey), atmospheric sciences (Weather Bureau), and conservation (U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries). The original emblem design lives on to this day, meant to represent the connection between the Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and ecosystems. Learn even more about NOAA’s history here!

The multifaceted logo has a gull-like figure flying through the sky. According to Dr. Robert White, NOAA’s first Administrator says “A creature of sea, land, and air, the gull adds an ecological touch to the Earth-sky motif.” (Source)

September 18, 2026September 28, 2026

Krista Fleming: CTDs, Snapper & Fish Prints: Life on Deck, September 17, 2026

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Krista Fleming

Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II

September 5-20, 2026

Mission: Shark/Red Snapper Bottom Longline Survey, Leg 3

Geographic Area of Cruise: Western Gulf of America

Date: September 17, 2026

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 29°26.7622 N

Longitude: 94°12.5035 W

E/NE Winds 21 kts.

Seas 4ft E/NE at 4 seconds

Operations are currently suspended due to weather conditions.

Science and Technology Log

CTD Deployment

Krista, wearing a hard hat, life vest, waterproof boots, and clutching a pair of gloves, stands on deck next to a large metal apparatus containing a circle of narrow water sampling bottles and the conductivity, temperature, and depth probe. — Krista and the CTD

Since learning about the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) from Dr. Miller-Way at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab years ago, I have been excited to finally help deploy one as part of our survey. The CTD is much more than a device that measures conductivity, temperature, and depth—it is essentially a package of sensors that gives scientists a detailed picture of the water column and the seafloor.

At each station we encounter, we deploy the CTD to collect a sample. I help attach the camera and light and remove the protective caps covering the tubes where the water samples are brought to the sensors before deployment. Once the CTD is lowered to the bottom, the camera captures images of the seafloor. The scientists use these images, along with two weights secured to the bottom of the CTD that disturb the sediment when they reach the seafloor, to help determine the bottom composition—such as whether the substrate is primarily mud or sand. Knowing the composition of the seafloor is another important piece of information for understanding the habitat where we are sampling and the types of species that may be found there.

As the CTD moves through the water column, its many sensors collect a wide variety of information:

Conductivity: Measures how well the water conducts electricity, which is used to calculate salinity.
Temperature: Records the temperature of the water at different depths.
Depth: Tracks the CTD’s position in the water column.
Dissolved oxygen: Measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water, which helps scientists understand the conditions available to marine organisms.
Fluorescence: Detects fluorescence from chlorophyll-a, giving scientists an indication of the presence and relative amount of phytoplankton in the water.
Beam transmission: Measures the percentage of light from a laser that travels through the water and reaches the sensor’s lens. Less light reaching the lens can indicate more suspended particles in the water, providing information about turbidity.
Sound velocity: Measures how quickly sound travels through the water. Sound velocity is affected by factors such as temperature, salinity, and pressure and is important for understanding how sound travels underwater.
Voltage: Monitors the electrical output from the instruments and sensors and helps the scientists make sure the equipment is functioning properly.
Altimeter: Measures the distance between the CTD and the seafloor as it approaches the bottom. This helps the crew know when the CTD is getting close to the seafloor and helps prevent the instrument from hitting it too hard.

Once the CTD comes back aboard, I help rinse the sensors thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and help protect the equipment. Properly preparing, handling, and caring for the instruments is an important part of the process and helps ensure the CTD is ready to collect accurate data on the next deployment.

It has been really interesting to see how much information can come from one piece of equipment. The CTD gives scientists a detailed snapshot of what is happening throughout the water column—from temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen to phytoplankton and turbidity—while the camera gives us a look at the seafloor itself. Together, all of this information helps scientists better understand the habitat where we are conducting our survey.

Personal Log

After completing a haulback, we caught several snapper that were going to be used for research. Sean has been practicing Gyotaku, a traditional Japanese art form that uses a real fish to create a detailed print, and he let me observe him in action.

Sean leans over a red fish (a red or vermillion snapper) that he has placed on a plastic tray, on top of cardboard, lining a work table. he lightly grasps a bowl of black paint in his right hand, and with his left, carefully paints above the fish's eye with a thick brush. he is looking down at his work. — Sean applying black paint to the snapper

He carefully coated the fish with black paint and then gently pressed a piece of fabric canvas over it. When he lifted the canvas, the image of the fish was transferred onto the fabric, capturing its shape, scales, fins, and other intricate features.

with two hands, Sean holds up the paper containing the finished fish print; we can only see the top of his head behind the paper. on the table in front of him is the snapper, still mostly covered in black paint. other supplies are scattered around the work surface. — Sean reveals the fish print

It was fascinating to watch Sean turn one of the fish from our survey into a piece of art. I especially enjoyed seeing the details that emerged in the print—features that are easy to overlook when simply looking at a fish. It was a fun opportunity to learn about a hobby he enjoys while at sea.

Meet the Deck Crew!

Sean Gronquist

Sean, wearing a hard hat, life vest, and fish gloves, reaches toward the upturned head of a hammerhead shark resting on the mesh shark cradle. he grasps one side of the hammerhead's "hammer" with his right hand, and with his left, works to remove the hook from the shark's mouth. two more hands from a person otherwise obscured by Sean reach over to insert a tag into the shark at the same time. — Sean removes a hook from a hammerhead shark

Sean serves as the Acting Chief Bosun aboard the ship, but his primary title is Lead Fisherman. Safety is his top priority, both for the crew and for the animals we are handling. He has been sailing for two years, but his experience on the water extends well beyond his time aboard the Oregon II. He has captained boats, works as a charter captain and Yamaha technician, and spends much of his free time around the water. He enjoys climbing, free diving, and surfing, and when he isn’t working, you can often find him fishing off the stern of the ship.

The shark bottom longline survey is Sean’s favorite survey, and it is easy to see why when you watch him work. When a shark is brought aboard, Sean is responsible for overall deck safety and for managing and controlling the cradle operations. Once the shark is secured in the cradle, he takes control of the animal’s head and works to keep both the shark and the crew safe.

Sean explained that controlling a shark requires commitment. If you hesitate or fail to commit to what you are doing, an accident can happen. He has learned to read the shark’s behavior closely. He says you can sometimes feel the surge of adrenaline in a shark before it panics. As the shark begins to tense, he can often anticipate when it is about to thrash and prepare for the movement.

What stood out to me was that Sean’s focus isn’t simply on controlling the shark—it’s on maintaining safety while also prioritizing the well-being of the animal. Watching him work made it clear that handling these animals requires experience, confidence, communication, and a deep respect for the wildlife we are studying.

Joseph Pastusek

Joseph, wearing a hard hat and life vest, pulls with two hands on a line (rope) attached to the hook of the J-frame. he looks up at the hook. other lines extend from pulleys out of each side of the photo. the sky is cloudy white. — Joseph working on deck

Joseph is an Ordinary Seaman aboard the Oregon II, an entry-level position in the deck department. He has been sailing for two years and is currently augmenting the crew, which means he is filling a position for this particular leg of the mission. When this mission is complete, he will return to his regular ship, the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown.

Joseph assists with many of the ship’s operations and operates some of the machinery used during our surveys, including cranes and winches. One of his responsibilities during our survey is helping deploy the CTD using the J-Frame, the movable arm that extends over the side of the ship to lower and retrieve equipment. He also assists the crew with a variety of other deck operations throughout the mission.

When I asked Joseph about his favorite place he has sailed for work, he immediately chose Iceland. He loved the scenery, but what really stood out to him were the people and the culture. He described everyone as happy and welcoming. While there, he had the opportunity to see the Northern Lights and encountered plenty of dolphins and seals.

His time at sea has taken him to some pretty incredible places. He has sailed across the Equator and traveled as far north as the Arctic Circle. For someone who has only been sailing professionally for two years, he has already experienced quite a bit of the world from the deck of a ship.

Alasdair O’Brien

Alasdair, wearing a hard hat, life vest, and sunglasses, stands behind the control panel of the winch on the ship; we can only see lines and cloudy sky behind him — Alasdair operating the crane

Alasdair is augmenting the crew for this leg of the survey. On his permanently assigned ship, the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, he serves as a Bosun Group Leader. In that role, he helps run the deck and steps into the Bosun role when the Bosun is away. The Ronald H. Brown is currently undergoing repairs following a fire in the engine room, so Alasdair is spending this mission aboard the Oregon II.

Alasdair has been with NOAA for approximately five years and has gained experience sailing throughout much of the United States. He has worked along both the East & West Coasts, all five Great Lakes, and has spent time in the Bering Sea. His career at sea actually began on traditionally rigged sailing ships, giving him a unique background that combines traditional sailing with modern oceanographic research.

His work has taken him into a variety of research environments. In Alaska, he worked aboard the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson conducting midwater trawl surveys used to collect information that helps establish sustainable catch limits for the pollock industry. He has also assisted with deploying weather buoys and works on a variety of fishing research projects.

When he isn’t working for NOAA, Alasdair continues to spend time on the water. He works aboard tall ships and participates in oceanographic educational programming through the Sea Education Association, helping teach others about marine research and life at sea.

One thing Alasdair emphasized is that so much of the experience at sea is determined by the crew and how you choose to make the most of the experience. After hearing about the places he has sailed and the people he has worked with, I can understand why that perspective is so important. Life at sea brings together people from many different backgrounds, and the crew becomes an important part of the experience.

September 16, 2026September 21, 2026

Melina Vella: Let’s Rock and Roll!, September 10, 2026

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Melina Vella

Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow

Sept 10, 2026

Mission: Northeast Fisheries Science Center Bottom Trawl Survey – Leg 1

Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast U.S. Atlantic Coast

Date: September 10, 2026

Science and Technology Log

In many ways, ships are like their own living organisms. From pontoons to sailboats, rowboats to mega-yachts, ships come in varieties just like plants and animals.

view of a line of small response vessels docked facing outward into very still, brown water; tree-lined hills in the background — Different types of ships used for emergency response in Kingston, New York on the Hudson River.

view from a beach over water: on the beach to the left is a pile of rowboats and kayaks, while out on the water we can see many sailboats at a distance — A view from the beach on Nantucket, Massachusetts of personal boats, including rowboats and sailboats.

Preparing for the trip, I tried to approach learning about NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow as a species to study just like any other fish or bird species. I find research very comforting, so I tried my best to learn about ships in general, and the features of Henry B. Bigelow. NOAA has some excellent resources that cover the history, construction, and scientific specifications of the vessel. The end of this blog post contains links so you can dive even deeper, but here are some of the highlights (including some of my observations from onboard).

Basic Anatomy: Important Parts of a Ship to Know

Also called a command deck, wheelhouse, or pilothouse, the bridge is like the brain of the ship. This is where much of the navigation and mission logistics happen. Those working on the bridge also must maintain constant communication with other teams aboard, such as the engineers, scientists, and other crew.

view of the bridge of NOAA Ship Henry B Bigelow: four men, two in NOAA Corps uniforms, stand or sit looking out the windows filled with fog — On the bridge of the NOAA Ship *Rainer* underway in the fog (Image credit: Jenny Thacker)

On Henry B. Bigelow the bridge is very spacious and well-equipped with technology used to ensure that factors like the direction and speed are maintained as the scientific operations are performed. The bridge is commanded by a team of officers from the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

The engine room is the heart and lungs of the operation. Without the engine machinery to propel the ship, you’re not getting very far. I have yet to see Henry B. Bigelow‘s engine room; that is a sensitive area. I’m a little nervous to inquire further because I know one thing for sure: engine rooms are LOUD.

view of a man standing at the control panel in the engine room of a different NOAA vessel, NOAA Ship Pisces. He wears ear protection down around his neck. he stands with one hand reaching toward a lever, mid-explanation. — Engine control panel aboard NOAA Ship *Pisces* (Image Credit: Lieutenant Elizabeth Capo)

a black and white photo of an engine room; we can see many dials along the metal walls, metal floors, metal railings. — Engine room of the USC&GSS *Pathfinder*, circa 1955. The U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey was one of NOAA’s predecessor agencies. Image from NOAA Photo Library.

What else could the mess and galley be other than the digestive system of a ship, of course? Food is stored and prepared in the galley and the crew aboard the vessel have their meals in the mess hall.

Also sometimes called cabins or berthings, staterooms for sleeping accommodations allow the hardworking crew aboard the ship to get some much-needed rest between watches. My room is a four-person room with two sets of bunk beds with a bathroom attached. There are also some rooms that are singles or doubles depending on the staffing needs of those onboard.

Life History

NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow is one of many within NOAA’s fleet of state-of-the-art research vessels. The construction of Henry B. Bigelow and other ships of the fleet were built with the intention of providing optimal facilities for NOAA’s scientists.

a view, head-on, of NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow at sea. the water is gray and fairly calm, and the bow of the ship is creating a sizeable splash. — NOAA Ship *Henry B. Bigelow* pushing water (NOAA Collections)

It was built in 2007 by VT Halter Marine Inc., in Moss Point, Mississippi. Because it was built for the purpose of being a fisheries survey ship, it has lots of unique characteristics not found in other vessels.

It has instruments used for recording crucial data for NOAA’s various projects. The ship is home ported in Newport, Rhode Island and its primary purpose is to perform fisheries stock research along the U.S. East Coast, including the Fall Bottom Trawl Survey that I am part of this year. Read even more about the other types of capabilities of Henry B. Bigelow here.

view into the empty wet lab: we are looking down the conveyor belt, but can also see multiple fish measuring boards and computer monitors — The wet lab is where the fish (and other critters) are sorted and processed.

It recently underwent mid-life maintenance and its sister ship, NOAA Ship Pisces conducted the Spring Bottom Trawl earlier this year.

Personal Log

All aboard! We’ve arrived, folks. I landed in Rhode Island and was able to explore Newport. Okay, okay, perhaps I overpacked, but listen – my father, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain, instilled the official “Semper paratus” motto meaning “always ready” deep within me. Who knows what I might need?? Trekking about 100 lbs of luggage through the airport was quite the journey. I chose to count that walk to my rental car as my workout for the day.

Melina smiles for the camera on a suburban street as she stands wearing one hiking backpack, holding another in her right hand, and gripping a duffle bag in her left. — Carrying all my belongings for the next few weeks.

a pile of luggage and miscellaneous items packed in black trash bags on a dock — A fraction of the baggage we transported via small boat.

After a lovely stay in Newport, I met up with the science team members that were also boarding the ship for the first leg of the bottom trawl survey. The large van transported us to the Navy pier where we then boarded a small boat to be transferred onto Henry B. Bigelow. Because we had about a dozen scientists with all their gear, we took multiple trips. I was on the last batch of folks transferred over so I boarded in the late afternoon. The evening included a whirlwind of orientation of the ship, safety trainings, and sneaking in a quick meal.

view of the stern of NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow as it faces the horizon. we can see the A-frame used in fishing operations. the water is blue and reflective. the sky is bright blue with lines of white clouds moving in multiple directions. — The view of *Henry B. Bigelow* from the small boat.

view of a plate of food - looks like rice, fried rice, dumplings, veggies, chicken - and a bottle of sweet chili sauce resting on a blue tablecloth. — My first onboard meal!

Now, time to get some much needed rest before the mission officially begins; can’t wait to start my first watch tonight!!!

Did You Know?

Something interesting I learned in my research was about some of the traditional terminology surrounding shipbuilding. Did you know that ships have specific stages of their construction? Laying the keel is the formal start of the ships construction.

Learn more about Henry B. Bigelow:

Ecosystems Surveys Volunteer Information: Preparing for a Cruise – what it actually looks like to work on NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow, R/V Hugh R.Sharp, R/V Gloria Michelle, and F/V E.S.S. Pursuit.

NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow Fact Sheet (PDF) – this archived page from 2009 contains an in-depth explanation of the ship from when it was commissioned.

NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow: About the Ship (Office of Marine and Aviation Operations)
– a quick read with the basic specifications and information about Henry B. Bigelow as well as contact information for getting in touch with the ship