NOAA Teacher at Sea
Sam Garson
Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
September 6th – September 25th, 2024
Mission: 2024 Fall Bottom Trawl Survey
Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Date: October 1, 2024
Weather Data from Friday Harbor
Latitude: 48.52°N
Longitude: 123.02637°W
Wind Speed: N 0 MPH
Air Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
Science and Technology Log
In reflecting on our 21-day mission, I have been amazed at the different roles needed to make these kinds of research trips a success. The depth of collaboration and cooperation required between departments and operations staff on a NOAA Vessel really is the ultimate examples of interdisciplinary learning and skills. The collaboration between these different positions was crucial to the success of the 182 trawls we conducted—a number that is staggering to look at in retrospect from the perspective of looking back at my time at sea. This blog will showcase some of those roles and give a bit of info about the groups present.
NOAA Corps Officers:
The NOAA Corps officers are responsible for safely navigating the ship, ensuring that we reached each designated survey location. Onboard the Henry B. Bigelow, the officers work closely with the scientists to plan the timing and execution of each trawl. These officers, who are part of one of the nation’s seven uniformed services, manage the day-to-day operations of the ship, coordinate with the deck crew, and provide real-time decision-making, especially during difficult weather conditions. Check out their website for more information: https://www.omao.noaa.gov/noaa-corps
Image courtesy of NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
Trawl Survey Technicians:
The Trawl Survey Technicians serve as the bridge between the science team and the crew. They help to deploy the nets, monitor the equipment, and ensure that the sampling is conducted properly. These technicians oversee the mechanics of the trawl, making sure the net is deployed at the correct depth and for the proper duration, depending on the target species. Their work is essential in collecting accurate data and ensuring that each trawl adheres to the strict survey protocols. They manage CTD sampling and Bongo net sampling before each trawl and send that data off as it is collected.
Deck Crew:
The deck crew handles the heavy lifting—literally. They are responsible for deploying and retrieving the trawl nets, a physically demanding job that requires precise timing and coordination. During the rough weather we experienced, especially during the nor’easter, the deck crew worked tirelessly to ensure that operations continued safely. Their expertise in handling the gear and adapting to the elements was vital to keeping the mission on track. They are also in constant communication with the NOAA Corps officers on the bridge making sure that the ship is tracking correctly, at the proper speed and moving appropriately during trawls, deployments and recovery.
Engineers:
Behind the scenes, the engineers ensure that the ship’s engines and mechanical systems are running smoothly. On this mission, they faced a significant challenge when we experienced engine trouble early on. After a few temporary fixes while at sea, it became clear that the engine required more extensive repairs. The decision was made to make a brief stop in Norfolk, Virginia, to complete the necessary repairs. This stop not only allowed the engineers to fully resolve the issue but also gave us an opportunity to avoid the worst of the developing weather system offshore. Thanks to the engineers’ hard work and dedication, we were able to get back to the mission with minimal delay.
Scientists:
The scientists onboard are the heart of the mission. Once the trawl nets are brought onboard, they immediately begin sorting through the catch, identifying and cataloging each species. They collect key data, such as species abundance, length, and weight, which are then entered into NOAA’s database for long-term monitoring and analysis. Their work helps inform fisheries management, conservation efforts, and the health of marine ecosystems. The scientists often work long hours, sometimes in challenging conditions, to ensure that the data is collected accurately and promptly.
Stewards:
While it may not always be obvious, the ship’s Stewards play an essential role in keeping the crew and scientists fueled and ready for the long hours of work. The stewards are responsible for preparing meals and managing the galley. On a 21-day mission, where workdays are often long and exhausting, having nutritious meals prepared by the stewards helps boost morale and keeps everyone energized for the tasks ahead. The meals on the ship were amazing and there were some so good that it warranted waking up in the middle of my “night” in order to make sure I got to try it. Midnight to noon is a tricky shift were a 5PM dinner often didn’t fit into the exhaustion and sleep schedule.
Other Ship-Based Jobs:
Beyond these key roles, there are additional positions aboard a NOAA ship that contribute to the smooth operation of the vessel. For example, the Electronics Technicians maintain the ship’s communication systems and scientific equipment, ensuring that data collection instruments are functioning properly. The Medical Officer ensures the crew’s well-being (helps with seasickness, bruises, bumps and other accidents) providing medical care when necessary. Each role, from maintenance to leadership, contributes to the overall success of the mission.
The collaboration between all of these positions made the mission a success. Every person on board had a vital role to play, and their teamwork was evident in the smooth operations despite the challenges we faced.
Personal Log
Life at sea is always full of surprises, and this voyage was no exception. Early in the mission, we encountered engine trouble that could have brought our progress to a halt. However, the engineering team on board worked tirelessly to resolve the issue, ensuring that we could continue our work with minimal delay. When it became clear that a more permanent solution was needed, we made a brief stop in Norfolk, Virginia, where the engineers completed the necessary repairs. This stop also allowed us to avoid the worst of the rapidly developing weather system offshore, including remnants of a hurricane and the beginnings of a nor’easter.
The weather was another challenge we had to navigate. Midway through the cruise, we encountered the remnants of a hurricane, which brought high winds and rough seas. Just as we thought things were calming down, we were hit with a nor’easter, creating a whirlwind of rapidly changing conditions. The storms tested not only the ship but also the crew’s adaptability. Despite the rough weather, the team continued working, ensuring that our safety was always the top priority while still pushing forward with our science objectives.
The collaboration and resilience I witnessed over these 21 days left a strong impression. Whether it was the engineers fixing mechanical issues, the deck crew handling the nets in rough seas, or the scientists analyzing samples during long hours in the lab, everyone worked together seamlessly. It was a true display of teamwork in action, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for what it takes to conduct oceanographic research at sea.
Personal Log
I am deeply grateful to the NOAA Teacher at Sea program for giving me the incredible opportunity to return to sea and experience firsthand the fascinating science of the Northeast Trawl Survey. After spending 10 years working with the Ocean Exploration Trust, returning to a science vessel felt both familiar and exciting. I was struck by the many similarities between trawl research and the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operations I’ve been a part of, but also by the distinct differences that make each type of research so unique.
Both environments rely heavily on teamwork, precise coordination, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions at sea. However, trawl research is much more hands-on, involving direct interaction with marine life, compared to the often remote observation of ecosystems through ROV cameras. Seeing these differences firsthand opened my eyes to the various career paths available within the field of marine research. It also made me incredibly excited to share these insights with my students and help them explore the vast opportunities that exist in NOAA and other marine research organizations.
The experiences I’ve gained aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow will serve as valuable tools to inspire my students. I look forward to introducing them to the different roles I saw in action—from NOAA Corps officers and marine scientists to engineers and trawl survey technicians. I am excited to help them see the wide range of careers that are available in oceanography, marine biology, and environmental science, particularly within the NOAA research space. Programs like NOAA Teacher at Sea not only deepen my own knowledge but also open doors for my students, offering them a window into potential futures in scientific research and marine conservation. This journey has been an incredible one, and I hope to guide my students toward similar paths of discovery and contribution to the field.
I’m incredibly thankful to NOAA for this opportunity, and I encourage other educators to consider participating in the Teacher at Sea program. It’s an invaluable experience that enriches classroom teaching and ignites students’ curiosity about real-world science. This program will undoubtedly shape the way I teach and how I help students explore careers in ocean science and research for years to come.
Did You Know?
The trawl survey captures data on more than 200 species of fish and invertebrates, from commercially important species like Atlantic cod and haddock to lesser-known species like the deep-sea skate.
