NOAA Teacher at Sea
Kimberly Pratt
Onboard NOAA Ship McArthur II
July 2 – 24, 2005
Mission: Ecosystem Wildlife Survey
Geographical Area: Pacific Northwest
Date: July 7, 2005
Weather Data from Bridge
Latitude: 44, 20, 7 N
Longitude: -126, 27, 7 W
Visibility: 10
Wind direction: 220
Wind Speed: 220
Sea Wave Height: 12
Swell Wave Height: 3-5
Sea Level pressure: 16.1
Cloud Cover: 7/8, AC, AS, CU
Temperature: 17.1
Scientific Log
Yesterday, we had the good fortune to see a school of Pacific White Sided dolphin, which swam at our bow for about 1/2 hr. A biopsy was taken of two of the animals, by Scientists, Tim O’Toole and Juan Carlos who used a crossbow with a special “grabber” attached to the arrow. A piece of skin and a piece of blubber will be analyzed. Also swimming with the school were 2-3 baby dolphins. Also spotted was a Humpback whale. A very busy day…
Today, we’ve spotted 2-3 Fin whales, along with a pod of Killer Whales. The small boat was launched and tissue samples were taken from one of the Fin whales. The Fin whale seemed rather curious as it approached the small boat at a close range. The Killer Whales, however, were more cunning and a tissue sample could not be taken because their swimming pattern was very erratic.
As far as birds go, we spotted several Puffins, with beautiful markings on their heads; Black footed Albatrosses, Sooty Shearwaters, Leach’s Storm Petrels and lots of Seagulls. Peter Pyle and Sophie Webb have trained me in the data entry part of their observations, so I am now helping them on the bridge when possible. Tonight, I’ll be learning more about the CDT cast and also the Bongo Tow.
Personal Log
Yesterday was our first day out to sea, and my first experience with ocean swells. I will admit I did develop sea sickness – or getting my sea legs as it’s called. Chief Scientist Karen Forney, joked that may my sea legs grow quickly. Ha! I’m now recovered, with no worse for wear. I guess it’s a rite of passage that all sea goers must experience. So now I’m seasoned. I’m very grateful to Chief Scientist Forney who in the middle of my sickness, came to my room and let me know about the dolphins outside. She knew I wouldn’t want to miss it and she was right! Another wonderful sight is the different tones of blue that can be seen when looking out over the water. The weather has been nice, and we are now in the waters off of central Oregon. We hope to be in central California by this weekend, depending on how things go. The crew and scientists are extremely supportive and patient with all of my questions, and I’m learning a lot. I’ll post another log in a day or two.
