NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Petro
Aboard NOAA ship Pisces
July 1 – July 14, 2013
Mission: Marine Protected Area Survey
Geographic Area of Cruise: South Atlantic United States
Date: July 1, 2013
Weather Data:
Air temperature: 28 Degrees C (82 Degrees F)
Barometer: 1013.1 mb
Humidity: 74%
Wind direction: SW
Wind speed: 11.29 knots
Water temp: 29.6 C
Latitude: 30.39°N
Longitude: 81.43°W
Science and Technology Log
Hello from aboard NOAA ship Pisces. We are gearing up to set sail so I will take this opportunity to introduce myself before we get underway! My name is Jennifer Petro and I am an 8th grade Science Teacher at Everitt Middle School in Panama City , Florida. I am particularly excited about this mission as I am working alongside scientists from the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Lab located on Panama City Beach. I will also be working with scientist from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute as well as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. The focus of this mission is to survey fish and invertebrate populations in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) from Florida to North Carolina. We will also be doing mapping of new areas to determine future MPAs.
The scientist have been busy setting up and calibrating their equipment. We will be using an ROV, Remotely Operated (underwater) Vehicle, to view the MPAs. There are several cameras attached to the ROV which the scientist will use to identify and count species. There are many feet of wire and cables being set up in the dry lab.
Personal Log
Currently we are still at port and are scheduled to set sail in a few hours. The Pisces is a rather comfortable vessel. We arrived yesterday afternoon so I already have one night’s sleep on board under my belt. I imagine things will change when we are out at sea, but for the moment she is gently swaying in port. I share a room with one of the scientists and we in turn share a bathroom. Pretty great so far! The Pisces is currently moored at NAS in Mayport , FL and is dwarfed in size to all of the naval vessels that surround her!
Today’s post is going to be rather short. My excitement is definitely building. we set sail in just about an hour so my next post will be from sea!
Fair weather and calm seas to all.
Have a great cruise! Take lots of pictures!
Dave Grant
Thanks Dave. I sure will!
Jennifer,
Good luck on your voyage. You make Everitt proud!
your fellow Eagle teacher,
Marsha Southall
Have a safe trip and keep us posted.
Looks like you are going to have some great tales for your students when you return. So jealous, have fun.
Looks like you are going to have some great tales for your students when you return. So jealous, have fun.8