NOAA Teacher at Sea Rebecca Kimport
NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson
June 30, 2010 – July 19, 2010
Mission: Summer Pollock survey
Geograpical Area:Bering Sea, Alaska
Date: July 19, 2010
Days at Sea: 18
Nautical Miles traveled: 3802.9 nm
Location when we were farthest north and farthest west: 61 20.300N/176 05.250 W
XBTs: 113
CTDs: 21
AWTs: 28
Methots: 7
Average Swell Height: 2- 3 ft
Wind Speed Range: 3 – 22 knots
Average temperature: 6° C/42.8°F
Types of cetaceans seen: 5 (fin whale, killer whale, Dall’s porpoise, sea lion, sperm whale)
Types of birds seen: 7+ (including fulmar, murre, kittiwake, petrel, albatross, puffin, & bald eagle)
Logs seen: 3 (unfortunately there was not an arborist who could identify them)
Average number of meals eaten per day: 5 (first breakfast, second breakfast, snack, elevenses, dinner)
Times I worked out in the aft gym for the “European Challenge”: 7
Times we fell out of our chairs laughing: too many to count!
Top five things I am thankful for:
- The willingness of all the scientists, officers and crew to answer my questions and explain what it is they are doing
- The chance to try my hand at fish processing (I will get you otoliths), net operations (10 out!), bridge operations (this is a test), and survey tech skills (mark XBT 135!).
- The delicious food – to quote Michele, it was like eating at my favorite restaurant every day thanks to Ray and Floyd!
- Our amazing shift – Neal, Abby, Katie and Michele are fantastic and I am lucky to have gotten the chance to get to work with them (and laugh with them)
- The weather – although we had no control over it, it was great to have such pleasant weather the whole trip. Yes, there were foggy days and high winds but they made the clear days that much more exciting.
Top five things for a TAS to bring on the Oscar Dyson
- Flash drive (no need to rely on the Internet)
- Fleece/wool cap (its cold in the fish lab)
- Workout clothes (2 gyms, endless choices)
- Slip-on shoes you can put through the wash (they will smell like fish!)
- Digital Camera (keep it in your pocket at all times, you never know when you might spot a walrus)
- (BONUS) A Coffee Mug — you won’t want to be without your peppermint hot chocolate or latte
