NOAA Teacher at Sea
David Riddle
Onboard NOAA Ship Albatross IV
July 13 – 28, 2006
Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: July 13, 2006
Science and Technology Log
After a 3-day delay due to technical issues, the NOAA Ship ALBATROSS IV headed out to sea for leg 1 of the Sea Scallop Survey at 6:00 pm today. We completed a test tow to check the equipment, and the volunteer scientists got to examine the samples collected. We also learned how to identify, weigh, and measure several species of fish, using the Fisheries Scientific Computer System (FSCS), which we are assured will become second nature in short order. So far, no scallops, but that’s not a surprise, considering the location of our first tow.
Sightings: Portuguese Man-of-War (Physalia), just a few as we were heading out.
Personal Log
The ALBATROSS IV has two Teachers at Sea on this cruise, plus three other volunteers on the scientists’ crew. We are currently underway to our first station, which is several hours away. The scientific crew scheduled to stand the first watch, which starts at midnight, will be able to get a little sleep before they’re called for duty in the pre-dawn hours. My watch starts at noon tomorrow, so sleep won’t be an issue for me. Sleeping in a bed that gently pitches and rolls may be a challenge, however. Time will tell.
