NOAA Teacher at Sea
Maureen Anderson
Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II
July 25 — August 9, 2011
Mission: Shark Longline Survey
Geographical Area: Southern Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico
Date: July 15, 2011
Personal Log
Hello! I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Maureen Anderson and I teach middle school science at MS442 in Brooklyn, NY. In one week, I will be leaving for my NOAA Teacher at Sea trip aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II. I’m very excited to be a part of this survey! I don’t have a very strong background in science (I have 4 years of teaching experience – 3 in math and 1 in science), so I’m eager to learn as much as I can and share it with my students and community when I return.
Here’s a little bit of information about the trip. I will be helping scientists survey various fish species in the Gulf of Mexico, with a focus on sharks and snapper. Our boat leaves from Pascagoula, Mississippi on 7/25 and returns to Mayport, Florida on 8/9. We will cruise from one station to another to do hauls and sort through our catch. In this way, scientists get an idea about how many species are in this area and the overall health of these species.
A lot of people have already told me many shark jokes, or given me tips for how to handle a shark. But guess what? I won’t be dealing with sharks in the water directly (no diving on this trip). My students ask me tons of questions about sharks. While I sometimes encounter them during scuba diving, I really don’t know too much about them. So I’m looking forward to learning more about how to identify different shark species and finding out about the their overall health in this area of the world. Overall, I’m also eager to learn about how everything works on a ship, and about the different kinds of science jobs and careers of the crew.
I have never slept on a boat before, so I’m hoping that I have no problem adjusting to life at sea for 16 days. I have a ready-to-go seasickness patch just in case… Other than that, I am excited and eager to learn!
I will aim to make a blog post about 3 times a week, so please check back. Feel free to post your comments, feedback, and questions along the way!
Best of luck. Look forward to hearing about this grand adventure.
So proud of you! Can’t wait to see pics and read all about your experiences!
Fascinating! I will keep following your blog. Have fun!
I am adding this to my favorites! JC
Hi Maureen, I just returned from a groundfish survey on the Oregon II. You will learn so much from the science team and ships crew. I’ll look forward to reading your blogs!
Have a great time! I’m so envious!
I really do envy you. Have a great time and I’ll be following you during your trip.
Maureen:
I know that the entire NY Aquarium Dive Team will be anxious to hear from you as you have opportunities to keep in touch, and I know you will put an enormous effort into this awesome experience. Have a blast!
Dick
MS 442 is privileged to have you as a teacher. I can’t wait to follow you on your blog! See you when you get back from this amazing experience:)
Wow! This looks like quite an adventure. I hope that you don’t get seasick!
So happy that we will be able to track you adventures!
I can’ t wait to read about your exciting adventures!
You are an amazing woman! We are so very proud of you. Such a beautiful experience to bring back to your students. Have Fun!
Hi, Maureen, have a wonderful trip! We’ll tuna in for future adventures. Hope you can sleep well without the patch! Love, Ginger and Dermot
Hi Maureen, you are an inspiration to our students! I’m excited to read about your adventure. I’m sure you will have amazing stories to share when you return, I’m looking forward to hearing them. Be safe 🙂
This sounds like an amazing time!! I can’t wait to see photos and hear all about the trip!! Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!!!