NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jenny Hartigan
Aboard NOAA Ship R/V Fulmar
July 27, 2017
Mission: Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies: Bird, mammal, plankton, and water column survey
Geographic Area: North-central California
Date: July 27, 2017
Weather Data from the Bridge:
Latitude: 38º 19.820’ N
Longitude: 123º 03.402’ W
Time: 0700 hours
Sky: overcast
Visibility: 8 nautical miles
Wind Direction: NW
Wind Speed: 15-25 knots
Sea Wave Height: 3-5’
NW Swell 5-7 feet at 8 seconds
Barometric pressure: 1028 hPA
Air temperature: 63º F
Wind Chill: 51º F
Rainfall: 0 mm
Scientific Log:
As I described in another blog, the ACCESS cruise records data about top-level predators, plankton, and environmental conditions as indicators of ecosystem health. Today I’ll explain sampling of plankton and environmental conditions.
a small squid – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
There are two methods of collecting plankton. The Tucker Trawl, a large net with 3 levels is used to sample organisms that live in deep water (200 meters or more) just beyond the continental shelf. The collected krill and plankton are sent to a lab for identification and counting.
Another method of sampling producers and organisms is the hoop net, deployed to within 50 meters of the surface.
Deploying the CTD and hoop net – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Environmental conditions are sampled using the Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) device. It measures conductivity (salinity) of the water, temperature and depth. The CTD is deployed multiple times along one transect line. Nutrients and phytoplankton are also sampled using a net at the surface of the water. I interviewed several scientists and crew who help make this happen.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Danielle Lipski, Research Coordinator, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Why is your work important?
The many aspects of the ocean we sample give a good picture of ecosystem health. It affects our management of National Marine Sanctuaries in events such as ship strikes, harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I like the variety of the work. I get to collaborate with other scientists, and see the whole project from start to finish.
Where do you do most of your work?
I spend 4 – 5 weeks at sea each year. The rest of the time I’m in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary office.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
In high school I was fascinated with understanding why biological things are the way they are in the world. There are some amazing life forms and adaptations.
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
I want to make a difference in the world by applying science.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
An Interview with a Scientist:
Jaime Jahncke, Ph.D., California Current Director, Point Blue Conservation Science
Why is your work important?
We protect wildlife and ecosystems through science and outreach partnerships.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
-being outside in nature and working with people who appreciate what I do.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean Science?
I always wanted a career in marine science.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing?
I thought whale study would not be a possibility, and I love whale study. (I started my career studying dolphin carcasses!)
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Story of the Essex – the history behind Moby Dick
An Interview with a NOAA Corpsman:
Brian Yannutz, Ensign, NOAA Corps
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is a uniformed service of the United States which provides professionals trained in sciences and engineering. Brian has been working for the NOAA Corps for 3 years. He is responsible for the ship while on watch, and other duties such as safety officer.
Why is your work important?
Among other duties, I drive the ship and operate the winch to deploy the trawl and CTD.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I enjoy meeting new people.
Where do you do most of your work?
I’m based out of Monterey, and spend 60 – 90 days per year at sea. I spend 40 hours / week maintaining the boat.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without?
-the Vessel Inventory Management System, which is a maintenance program.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
In the summer of eighth grade I went to visit relatives in Germany. It was my first time in the ocean. I also spent 15 days in the San Juan Islands.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
-the movie “The Life Aquatic”
Let’s Talk about Safety:
Brian is responsible for safety aboard ship and it is a high priority. Before sailing I had to do an immersion suit drill where I put on a heavy neoprene suit in 3 minutes. When on deck everyone wears wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), which could be a “float coat” or a “work vest”. A “float coat” looks like a giant orange parka with flotation built in. A “work vest” is a life vest. If you are working on the back deck when the winch line is under tension, you must wear a hard hat. Most people wear waterproof pants and boots to stay dry when hosing down nets.
Bird and Mammals Seen Today in the Bodega Bay Wetlands:
35 Egrets, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Snowy Egret, many Brandt’s Cormorants, many Western Gulls
Did you know?
A blue whale spout has the general shape of a fire hydrant, and a humpback whale spout looks more like a fan.
Personal Log:
I suppose you are wondering what I do in my free time. Between my tasks on board, eating, and blogging, I am pretty busy. Getting extra rest is a big deal, because it’s hard work just to keep your balance on a ship. Some evenings, I feel like I have been skiing all day long! I spend a lot of my time on the flying bridge watching wildlife through my binoculars, or chatting with the scientists and crew. It is fabulous to be out here on the ocean.
Highlight of Today:
Watching several Dall’s Porpoises surfing the wake in front of the bow!
Questions of the Day:
Why do porpoises swim in front of the boat?
Why do whales breach? (Breaching is a behavior that looks like jumping out of the ocean on their side.)
I love hearing from you. Keep those comments coming!