NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jenny Hartigan
Aboard NOAA Ship R/V Fulmar
July 25, 2017
Mission: Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies: Bird, mammal, zooplankton, and water column survey
Geographic Area: North-central California
Date: July 25
Weather Data from the Bridge:
Latitude: 38º 19.834’ N
Longitude: 123º 03.399’ W
Time: 0700 hours
Sky: overcast
Wind Direction: N
Wind Speed: 5-15 knots
Sea Wave Height: 3 feet becoming 2 feet or less
NW Swell 7-9 feet at 10 seconds
Barometric pressure: 1026 hPA
Air temperature: 65º F
Wind Chill: 48º F
Rainfall: 0 mm
Scientific Log:
One aspect of the ACCESS project is to collect data about top-level predators in the marine ecosystem. The scientists do this by recording observations of marine mammals and seabirds from the flying bridge (top deck) of the ship. I am going to tell you about the standardized method they have for recording observations so they can be quantified and compared year to year. Some of the categories include:
First Cue (The first thing you saw – either splash, spout, or body) .
Method (How did you see it? – by eye, binoculars, etc.) .
Bearing (relative to the bow of the boat: 0 – 360º)
Reticule (a scale that tells you how far it is away from the horizon)
Observer Code (Each scientist has a number).
Observer Side (port, starboard)
Behavior of the animal (traveling, milling, feeding, etc.)
Age (if you can tell)
Sex (if you can tell)
Species (humpback, blue whale, CA sea lion, etc.)
Counts (best, high, low)
Marine mammal and seabird scientists are trained observers for this task that requires complete concentration. I interviewed them to find out more about their jobs.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Jan Roletto, Research Coordinator, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Why is your work important?
This long-term monitoring of the ecosystem helps shape, define and enforce the regulations for the National Marine Sanctuaries.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I have the (long-term ecosystem) data when I assess damage and define restoration from oil pollution or boat grounding (incidents).
If you could invent any tool to make your work more efficient and cost were no object, what would it be and why?
Funding long-term data studies is a challenge, so I would like a marketing tool such as a fun TV program to market the excitement and drama of marine science.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
I enjoyed studying marine mammal behavior, and did a Master’s in anatomy and physiology.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing? – fundraising!
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
The only way to keep the project sustainable was to communicate in lay terms.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Doc Ford stories by Randy Wayne White are about a marine biologist ex-CIA agent.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Run (True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide) by Peter Allison.The stories are based on a Botswana saying “only food runs!”
An Interview with a Scientist:
Ryan Berger, M.Sc., Farallon Program Biologist, Point Blue Conservation Science
Why is your work important?
We establish a baseline to more fully understand the effects of climate change on marine animals and thereby protect species.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
My work feels meaningful, I like its diversity, and I enjoy mentoring the next generation of conservation scientists.
Where do you do most of your work?
-on the Farallones Islands, on the ocean and in the office.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without?
-a Leatherman, walkie-talkies and a write-in-the-rain notebook while I’m on the Farallones Islands.
If you could invent any tool to make your work more efficient and cost were no object, what would it be and why?
-a tool to see the eggs under the adult birds without disturbing them. You have to have a lot of patience as you wait for the bird to move so you can see if it’s sitting on an egg.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing?
I did not expect to be an emergency responder for freeing entangled whales.
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
I found a field I’m passionate about and want to communicate an important message about being stewards of the environment for the next generation to enjoy.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Education of Little Tree is about Native Americans, taking care of the environment.
Do you have an outside hobby?
I enjoy mountain biking, hiking and outdoor activities.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Kirsten Lindquist, Ecosystem Monitoring Manager, Greater Farallones Association
Why is your work important?
Our Beach Watch and ACCESS program data informs NOAA about the effects of conditions such as oil spills on wildlife. Beach Watch is a citizen science program that extends along the California coast from Año Nuevo to Point Arena.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I like being in the field and teaching and communicating why it’s important.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without? -binoculars!
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
When I was a young child I watched “Never Cry Wolf”, a movie about a science researcher named Farley Mowat. I was so taken by it that I told my mom, “I want to do that!”
How do you help wider audiences to understand and appreciate NOAA science?
I teach 150 volunteers through the Beach Watch program.
Do you have an outside hobby?
I like cooking and outdoor activities. Some of the field sites I’ve been are in Antarctica studying penguins, and Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and Chile.
Personal Log:
I am enjoying getting to know the scientists and crew on board. Since I am curious to find out more about what they do, I spend a lot of my free time asking questions. They are interested to know what middle school students learn in science.
Every day I’m fascinated by life at sea. The fog off the California Coast is so dramatic. The other day we emerged from a huge fog bank into sunny skies where it was 15º F warmer!
I mentioned the galley the other day. It still fascinates me how compact everything is here on the boat. Everyone here has a sense of humor too. Check out the shark silverware we use!
Animals Seen Today:
Small organisms in the hoop net – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Question of the Day:
How do you tell the difference between the blow (spout) of a blue whale and a humpback whale?
I love hearing from you. Keep those comments coming!
