NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 20, 2012
Pictured is our NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
Life on the ocean aboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette
Pictured is our NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
Pictured here is the entire science party aboard the NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
Here is a view of the forward mess onboard the NOAA ship Sette.
The back deck of the Sette where most trawling operations occur.
There are six bunks in the bunkhouse on the Sette
The bunkhouse sleeps six onboard the Sette.
A view of the hydro lab on the NOAA ship Sette
Here are the chemicals listed in the Hydro Lab.
The computer room onboard the Sette
Each nght the steward, cook, prepares a salad bar in the galley.
The head in the bunkhouse is equipped with two sinks.
The electronics lab aboard the Sette has multiple hook-ups for computers and e-equipment.
The electronics workroom
There are many tools in the engineers’ room
The fire ax hangs in the hallway in case of emergencies.
Members of the scientific team enjoy a night in the forward mess with popcorn and a movie aboard the NOAA ship Sette.
The forward mess is equipped with a television, public computers, drink and ice machines.
The forward mess has comfortable sofas of the Sette.
The galley is where meals are served.
Three meals a day are served aboard the Sette.
The galley is open24 hours a day for snacks and drinks. People work around the clock aboard the NOAA ship Sette.
The gym aboard the Sette is located in the hold at the bottom most level of the ship.
The meals appear on the daily meal board in the galley
Crew members, Mike and Kelson enjoy the forward mess after their shift aboard the NOAA ship Sette.
The butterfly fish is rather rare and this made the scientists very happy to see one.
This is a juvenile butterfly fish. It is the size of a small marble and has horns.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry and crew member James McDade muster on the Texas Deck during an Abandon Ship drill aboard NOAA ship Sette.
There were four decks or levels to the ship which include:
• Flying Bridge Deck: observations take place as well as storage
• Bridge Deck: Navigation can take place from the bridge or the trawl house. The trawl house
faces toward the stern of the ship and is used to control the ship during “fishing.”
Boat Deck: Officers’ & Chief Scientist’s staterooms. A stateroom is where you would sleep
on a boat or ship. Your bed is called a “rack.” Most staterooms on the Oscar Elton Sette have
bunk beds. The boat deck is where the small launches/rescue boats are stored.
There is a FRB, Fast Rescue Boat, and two small launches.
Quarterdeck/ Main Deck: Ship’s store, survey officers’ staterooms and the back deck, used
for fishing. *The term quarterdeck was originally, in the early 17th century, used for a
smaller deck, covering about a quarter of the vessel. It is usually reserved for officers,
guests, passengers. It is also an entry point for personnel.
Lower/ Galley Deck: Crew’s and scientists’ staterooms, library, two lounges, galley, where everyone eats their meals.
Hold: Gym for exercising and engineer’s storage area.
Communications, Oscar Elton Sette maintains a Web site titled Student Connection (http://atsea.nmfs.hawaii.edu), which provides semi-weekly communication between students and the ship. Students can follow the vessel’s daily operations through regularly posted pictures and write-ups through this site.
NOAA Commissioned Corps Officers are a vital part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA). Officers provide
support during NOAA missions ranging
from launching a weather balloon at the
South Pole, conducting hydrographic or
fishery surveys in Alaska, maintaining buoys
in the tropical Pacific, flying snow surveys
and into hurricanes.
NOAA Corps celebrates its 205th
birthday
this year.
Find out more about the Corps, its mission and history from the “About the Corps” link.
Pictured here is the entire science party aboard the NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
Here are some ship terms to remember…
Stairs are ladders
Stairwells are ladderwells
Ceilings are overheads
Floors are decks
Bathrooms are heads
Halls are passageways
Big halls are companionways
Pointy end is the bow (pronounced like “wow”)
Stubby end is stern
And liberty, which is shore leave — time off on shore (enlisted get liberty & officers get shore leave)
Who’s Piloting the Ship?
A steer is what you BBQ
You steer a car
You pilot a ship
The person on the wheel of the ship is the helmsman
The wheel is called the helm
You steer a course
You pilot a ship
Wishing you fair winds and following seas
Student Questions:
Q: Have you seen any butterfly fish?
A: The most interesting butterfly fish was a juvenile. It was about the size of a marble and it had horns. It was certainly one of the most interesting specimens we caught.
This is a juvenile butterfly fish. It is the size of a small marble and has horns.The butterfly fish is rather rare and this made the scientists very happy to see one.
Q: What do you do when there IS a fire?
A: While onboard the NOAA ship Sette we had several fire drills. The scientists and I were to report to the “Texas Deck” which is just behind the bridge where the captain pilots the ship. During the “Abandon Ship” drill, I learned to put on a big orange “Gumby Suit” also known as a survival suit. When worn it keeps you afloat and warm while in the water, and since it is orange, it is very visible.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry and crew member James McDade muster on the Texas Deck during an Abandon Ship drill aboard NOAA ship Sette.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 19, 2012
Here I am processing fish samples.The small boat dangles beside the NOAA ship Sette before it is deployed into the ocean. Pictured here, skilled fisherman,Mills Dunlap and Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry
The small boat SE6 is being deployed.
Small Boat Operations
Today I switched from the night shift to days. Joining the crew on the small boat operations was a real treat. The two 10-meter small boats are used for a variety of scientific study such as fishing, plankton tows, researching protected species, cetacean acoustic studies, and A.U.V. autonomous underwater vehicle maneuvers. Today we will be fishing the ledge of 2% Bank for snapper fish. When deployed the boats are raised and lowered off the side of the 200-foot Oscar Elton Sette for each fishing excursion. This is no easy feat, taking synchronized orchestration of all hands.
First, everyone involved has a safety briefing to discuss rules, procedure and safety tips, including the ship’s captain, scientists, crew members, and the 2 coxswains , Mills Dunlap and Jamie Barlow, drivers of each boat.
Once all the gear is loaded onto the boat such as fishing gear, the day’s water supply, ice chests filled with ice to keep fish cold, lunches, and personal belongings(sunscreen, hat, and windbreaker), we carefully step into the boat which hangs beside the ship approx 8 feet above the surface of the ocean. The small orange boat hangs by one strong metal hook connected through a large metal eye which secure four fabric straps at each corner of the boat. The boat dangles from the side much like a clock’s pendulum ticking each minute of time.
Crew member Doug Roberts, the ship’s boatswain or bosun, is operating the crane today. The boat is then lowered taking its passengers to the ocean’s surging surface. Keeping our eyes on the large yellow metal hook, our life line to the Sette, the small orange boat descends.
Once the boat hits the water, it becomes a bobbing cork, undulating with each approaching swell, frequently banging into the hull of the NOAA Ship Sette.
“Boom, Bang, Bash” as the small boat hits the hull of the great hulk.
Quickly pulling the hook out of the eye, the coxswain Mills Dunlap speeds away to find the daily fishing position using the boat’s G.P.S., Global Positioning System. The scientists hope to catch a nice variety of snapper species and further their study on growth patterns of fish in American Samoa waters.
The small boat is deployed and retrieved in much the same manner, using a large hook and crane to lower and lift the boat in and out of the ocean.Safety is paramount when deploying and retrieving NOAA small boats. All hands wear a PFD, Personal Floatation Device and a hard hat.
The seas were milder in the morning with swells of 6-8 feet which gradually made way for windier afternoon conditions producing choppy seas and blustery winds.
I was on the boat with NOAA oceanographic scientist Ryan Nichols and Mills Dunlap, skilled fisherman. They both patiently taught me how to fish. Wave conditions ranged from 4-6 feet which made for being a bit unstable on my feet. Ryan has perfected his fishing technique, tying 4 fish hooks on each line, looking like a Christmas tree with each hook being a colorful ornament. This allowed us to catch multiple fish on each line. Today’s operation was to fish as close to the Bot Cam, a remote underwater camera as possible. Scientists hope to use the video tape fish behavior in the benthicpelagic range which is 100-200 fathoms deep/600-1200 feet.
The Bot Cam uses a tethered camera that is later released to float to the surface, and using acoustics a.k.a. sonar readings, scientists Ryan Nichols, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center , Meagan Sundberg, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research of the University of Hawaii, and Jamie Barlow , Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, will collect samples of fish at selected sites during the cruise.
The Botcam is being deployed off the side of the Sette with the help of Dr. Kobayashi and crew members Kelson and Johnathan.
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Scientists are researching fish behavior, competition, species interactions, throughout the water column. Specifically they are looking at the bottom fish society, scientists refer the it as the “complex” and how they relate to each other socially, behavioral, clues into their social structure, eating behaviors, predator/prey avoidance, response to fishing gear presence. Looking at dominate and non-dominate fish behavior. Bottom fish snapper species and predator fish, Jack, a very dominate fish. The Bot Cam reminds me of the behavior when you set up a bird feeder.
The fish were certainly biting. The two small boats caught approx. 40 fish that day.
So far, it has been a very productive trip, and they have caught many snapper fish:
Four species of snapper have been collected which include:
genus Pristipomoides, Aphareus rutilans (long jaw job fish/lehi)
Furca (rusty jobfish)
Etelis (ruby snapper/onaga(Japanese)
two species of tuna in the Scombridae family
yellow fin tuna, and dog-tooth tuna
four species of grouper:
Total number of catch: 224
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry examines and measures fish onboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton SetteTeacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry measures and processes fish off the coast of American Samoa.
Once on the Sette I joined the scientists as they processed today’s catch. Forming a production line we worked to measure each fish including:
weight in kilograms
length using centimeters
determine if the fish is male or female by extracting the fishes’ gonad organ
harvest the odilith, ear bone, that helps determine the fish’s age. Extracting the ear bone helps scientists determine the fish’s age by reading the rings much like a trunk of a tree.
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Here the small boat is deployed from the Sette using a large crane and hook.
The small boat SE6 is being deployed.
The SE small boat is being deployed with Mill Dunlap and Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry
Mills Dunlap, skilled fisherman pilots the Sette small boat in the waters off Amercian Samoa, during fishing operations.
After a long day of fishing off American Samoa the Sette small boat and its passengers are retreived.
Carefully the Sette small boat is retreived.
The Botcam is being deployed off the side of the Sette with the help of crew member Kelson and Johnathan.
Meagan Sundberg and Ryan Nichols are seen processing the fish caught from the small boats.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry processes fish onboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry examines and measures fish onboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry measures and processes fish off the coast of American Samoa.
Mills Dunlap, skilled fisherman showing today’s catch off the NOAA ship Sette.
Mills Dunlap, skilled fisherman, pilots the small boat in the waters of American Samoa.
All in all there was “Lots of sun and tons of fun and many fish.”
New Vocabulary:
cox·swain (k k s n, -sw n ). n. 1. A person who usually steers a ship’s boat and has charge of its crew
Boatswain or bosun (both /ˈboʊsən/): A non-commissioned officer responsible for the sails, ropes, rigging and boats on a ship who issues “piped” commands to seamen.
small boats – A NOAA vessel used for a variety of scientific study such at fishing, plankton tows, researching protected species, cetacean acoustic studies, and A.U.V., autonomous underwater vehicle maneuvers
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 25, 2012
The plankton net is towed alongside of the ship. Scientists have collected what appears to be synthetic material in the tows. These are examined by scientists using a microscope.The 1 meter oblique plankton net collects marine debris that is analyzed in the lab.
Microplastics Operations
NOAA scientist, Louise Giuseffi heads the microplastic study aboard the Sette. She is monitoring plastics in the waters of American Samoa by conducting trawls both on the surface and at depth using several types of plankton nets:
The Manta Net is a smaller unit that collects plankton and plastics at the surface.
The Issacs Kidd is a larger surface net that filters greater volumes of water.
The 1-meter ring oblique net collects throughout the water column down to approximately 230 meters.
She hopes to conduct qualitative studies on plastics asking the question, “Are plastics present in the South Pacific Gyre?” Back in the lab, she plans to analyze each sample to conduct quantitative studies asking, “How much plastic is in the ocean?” In addition, she’s also looking to answer the question, “Are fish consuming plastic?” She will answer these questions by collecting plankton tow samples and analyzing stomach contents of fish caught in American Samoan waters. Back in lab, she will determine if fish are in fact consuming plastics as part of their diet.
The theory is that different plastics have different densities depending on their chemical composition. If the plastic is less dense than salt water, it will float in the ocean. If the plastic is denser than salt water, it will sink. In this way, plastics are not necessarily at the surface. Plastics photodegrade and break into smaller pieces from sunlight and the elements. It is important to note that plastic will never breakdown into its original chemical components. Plastic will not biodegrade.
She hopes to find if there is a presence of plastic in the South Pacific Gyre, and bring awareness to the world-wide problem of plastics in our oceans and in our food chain. “To date we have found synthetic debris in nearly every sample using visual analysis. There are pieces of debris that appear to be plastic, however this will need to be confirmed by further investigation in the lab,” says Louise.
Louise’s studies are on the cutting edge, and she is forging a new path in marine microplastics studies. To date, there is very little information on debris in the water of the South Pacific Gyre and Louise is attempting to expose the presence of plastics in the oceans as a world-wide problem.
For more information about marine plastics and debris go to:
These sculpin fish and other deep water fish were caught in the Cobb net deep water trawl conducted in the early morning hours.
tang fish
Silver lancet fish
This silver lancet fish was caught during small boat fishing in the waters off American Samoa.This lancet fish was caught today during small boat operations.
Personal Log:
My time on NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette has been such an incredible learning experience for myself personally, and for what I will bring back to my students. My profound gratitude goes out to the dedicated science team, NOAA Corps, and crew aboard the Sette for all they have taught me.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 19, 2012
CTD data collection graphs
These charts show levels of salinity, temperature, density of the waters of American Samoa.
The ocean’s depth is always checked prior to a C.T.D. operation to know how deep the unit can be deployed.
The C.D.T. unit is safely back on the deck. Scientists collect an array of data including density, temperature, and conductivity using the C.D.T. unit.
Deck of Oscar Elton Sette
The C.D.T. is ready to be deployed into the ocean. Using a team of scientists, a crane, and crane operator the heavy unit is carefully guided into the water.
Once the C.D.T. unit has collected the needed data, scientists retreive it. The crane lifts it out of the water and the unit is hooked as part of the retreival process.
Once is determined safe, the doors on the side of the ship are opened to deploy the C.D.T. unit into the water.
Once the crane operator lifts the unit out of the water, scientists guide the C.D.T. onto the deck.
CTD on deck
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry, Survey Tech, Scott Allen, and NOAA scientists Evan Howell, Megan Duncan, Aimee Hoover enjoy learning how to safely operate the CTD unit.
This chart shows percentages of data collected in different parts of the waters of American Samoa while on board the NOAA ship Sette.
These graphs show data collected from the C.T.D. including: temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels.
These charts show levels of salinity, temperature, density of the waters of American Samoa.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry, Survey tech, Scott Allen, NOAA scientists, Evan Howell, Megan Duncan, Aimee Hoover work on the CTD operations performing 8 casts in the day.
5.Once the crane operator lifts the unit out of the water, scientists guide the C.T.D. onto the deck.
6. The C.T.D. unit is safely back on the deck. Scientists collect an array of data including density, temperature, and conductivity using the C.D.T. unit.4. Using a crane to lift and a hook to grab, the C.T.D. unit is guided onto the deck.
2. The C.T.D. is ready to be deployed into the ocean. Using a team of scientists, a crane, and crane operator the heavy unit is carefully guided into the water.
3. Once is determined safe, the doors on the side of the ship are opened to deploy the C.T.D. unit into the water.1. The ocean’s depth is always checked prior to a C.T.D. operation to know how deep the unit can be deployed.
CTD Operations: Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth
The CTD Operations onboard the Sette are conducted by Evan Howell, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Megan Duncan, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research at the University of Hawaii, and Scott Allen, NOAA survey tech. The CTD platform, which resembles a giant wedding cake constructed of painted steel, contains multiple instruments that can measure water characteristics including pressure, temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and chlorophyll concentration.
Jennifer Fry, Scott Allen, Evan Howell, Megan Duncan, and Aimee Hoover stand behind the CTD.
It takes 30 readings per second as it sinks towards the seafloor.
The CTD records data as it sinks and ascends, but only data from the downcast is used, insuring the instruments are recording data in an uninterrupted “profile” of the water column. All data collected helps capture ocean characteristics. The acquired data will be shared with the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources scientists and compared with the data they have collected previously.
Using prior data, current CTD data, and acoustic Doppler current profiler, a type of sonar detecting water currents, scientists can determine patterns in the oceans of American Samoa and compare them.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 18, 2012
This juvenile lobster was found in the Cobb trawl net.Pictured here is a copepod (right) and a jelly (left) found in the plankton net.Scientists, like John Denton, often get hungry during late night trawls. Here he is tempted to eat his recent catch. Tafito Aitaoto, American Samoan scientist, looks on.The cookie cutter’s mouth can be very destructive. While biting its victim, it rotates its mouth taking a “chunk” of flesh.While biting their victim, the cookie cutter shark then turns their mouth to take a deeper bite of flesh. This leaves a large gash making it more difficult to heal
Two cookie cutter sharks came up in the Cobb trawl net. The scientists onboard the Sette were very excited to view these rare fish.
The stewards/cooks on the Sette are Clementine Lutali, Jay Egan, and Jeffrey Falini. They have created the most amazing fare including traditional Samoan dishes. Clem, the Head Cook, told me that the Sunday meal in American Samoa is very important and she was right. Families in American Samoa gather in the morning for church, and then meet with the entire extended family for a large mid-day meal, followed by a nap. This includes everyone; grandparents all the way down to babies. In the afternoon families might take a walk to the beach for some family time and then have an afternoon tea with home-baked bread.
Our Sunday evening meal aboard the Sette consisted of turkey gravy and dressing, roast beef and au gratin potatoes, and green papaya salad with roasted garlic and peanuts. We finished with a lovely dessert of Puligi Keke, a Samoan coconut cake served with Crème Anglaise.
Some other Samoan dishes we’ve had onboard are:
Savory dishes:
Faálifu: boiled and cooked in coconut milk and caramelized onions
Faalifu Kalo: taro in coconut milk
Faalifu Fai: green bananas in coconut milk
Faiai Feé: Octopus with coconut milk
Faiai Pilikaki: Can of mackerel with coconut milk
Faiai Eleni: Can of tomato mackerel with coconut milk
Oka: Samoan raw fish, tomatoes, and onions marinated in fresh coconut milk
Mochiko lehi: a Hawaiian method of frying fish (lehi, a type of snapper) Mochiko can be done to chicken too.
Ulu/ breadfruit
Another wonderful way to serve breadfruit is fried with a touch of salt. Yum.Breadfruit is a starchy staple of the American Samoan diet.
There are many kinds of ulu/ breadfruit in American Samoa including: máafala, uluvea, puuoo, aveloloa, ulumanua. Breadfruit is used as a starch in the American Samoan diet, including:
potato salad substitute,
Uluwua: unripe ulu is baked on banana leaves in a traditional Samoan oven, served dipped in coconut milk
Method of cooking:
Much of Samoan cooking is done outside in an oven called an umu.
Umu: Samoan Oven. American Samoans use a traditional outdoor oven. It starts with a roaring fire set in a brick oven. After the firewood has died down, hot, smooth rocks are layered over the burnt wood. Cooking continues using the hot rocks as the heat source.
Suaia: Fish chowder with fresh coconut milk
Kale Faiai: curry with coconut milk
Desserts:
Puligi keke: steamed cake with white cream sauce
Panikeke: deep fried donut cake
kake: Samoan cake
Suali: a banana pudding similar to tapioca
Paniolo: (Hawaiian cowboy bread) cornbread with pineapple and coconut milk
Fáausi Taro: Raw pounded taro shaped into balls like hush puppies. Sauce: Caramelized sugar and coconut milk.
An American Samoan delicacy, Fáausi Taro is raw pounded taro shaped into balls served with caramelized coconut sauce.
Panipopo: buns made with fresh coconut milk served with a fruit glaze.
PANI POPO (COCONUT BUNS)
9 cups flour, divided use
3 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
You’ll need two 8 1/2-inch-by-11-inch baking pans for this recipe.
Set aside 3 cups of flour. Mix 6 cups flour and yeast. Heat milk, butter, sugar and salt until warm and butter is just melting (about 120 degrees). Add this to the flour and yeast mixture. Mix for 30 seconds on low speed; then mix for 3 minutes on high speed.
With wooden spoon, add the rest of the flour; knead for 6 to 8 minutes. Place dough in a large greased bowl; flip once to grease both sides of dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
While dough is rising, prepare coconut sauce:
4 cans (14 ounces) coconut cream
2 cups sugar
Mix well in bowl with whisk. Set aside.
Make a fist and punch down middle of dough to collapse dough.
Divide dough into 2 parts; let rest on lightly floured surface for 10 minutes. Roll out into a rectangle about 16 inches by 9 inches. Brush top of dough lightly with coconut sauce.
Roll dough tightly into a long roll. Cut into 9 pieces. Place in baking pan. Repeat with second half of dough. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes. Pour 3 cups of coconut cream over each pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 18 buns.
This giant salp was caught in the trawl net.NOAA Scientists Evan Howell, Ryan Nichols, Tafito Aitaoto, Jamie Barlow all enjoy a great Samoan meal in the galley aboard the Sette
After dinner, we watched fishing off the longline pit. As fish were caught using long lines, we were treated to an Hawaiian island delicacy by NOAA officer Justin Ellis, Hawaiian Shave Ice: fluffy ice, sweetened condensed milk, assai beans, your choice of syrup (coconut, pineapple, passion fruit), vanilla ice cream.
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While biting their victim, the cookie cutter shark then turns their mouth to take a deeper bite of flesh. This leaves a large gash making it more difficult to heal
Here is a close up picture of the cookie cutter shark’s mouth. It’s small but can be destructive.
This giant salp was caught in the trawl net.
The crustaceans are sorted into a tray and then counted, measured volume(ml), and weighted (g).
Scientists, like John Denton, often get hungry during late night trawls. Here he is tempted to eat his recent catch.
This juvenile lobster was found in the Cobb trawl net.
NOAA Scientist Evan Howell, Ryan Nichols, Tafito Aitaoto, Jamie Barlow all enjoy a great Samoan meal in the galley aboard the Sette
NOAA scientists, Dr. Don,Megan Duncan,and teacher at sea, Jennifer Fry in the galley of the Sette.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry and scientist Tafito Aitaoto chat to NOAA scientist, Meagan Sundberg.
Teacher at sea, Jennifer Fry joins NOAA scientist, Emily Norton longline fishing from the deck of the NOAA ship Sette.
NOAA scientist, Louise Giuseffi enjoys Hawaiian shave ice on deck of NOAA ship Sette.
Teacher at Sea, Jennifer Fry enjoys Hawaiian shave ice aboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette.
NOAA scientist, Louise Giuseffi shows off Hawaiian shave ice machine aboard NOAA ship Sette.
A beautiful sunset over American Samoan waters.
We say good-bye to another lovely day off the coast of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Pago Pago, American Samoa sunset in all its glory.
Much of Samoan cooking is done outside in an oven called an umu.
An American Samoan delicacy, Fafusi Taro is raw pounded taro shaped into balls served with caramelized coconut sauce.
Breadfruit is a starchy staple of the American Samoan diet.
Another wonderful way to serve breadfruit is fried with a touch of salt. Yum.
The fishing ventures were successful bringing in 2 fish: a rare Sickle Pomfret and an orange fish.
I went to bed early since I would join the small boat operation in the morning.
Small shrimp (too many to count)
The crustaceans are sorted into a tray and then counted, measured volume(ml), and weighted (g).
Student Questions:
Q: Do you eat the fish you catch?
A: Yes, the stewards (cooks) on board prepare the fish that is caught everyday. The snapper and tuna have been made into many tasty Samoan dishes.
The bite from this cookie cutter shark can be very painful.
Q: Have you seen any sharks?
A: Yes, the most interesting shark we caught in the net was the cookie cutter shark. Its bite is very unique. As it bites its victim it turns its mouth taking a deeper piece of flesh, which makes the healing process slower.
These crustaceans are sorting into a tray then measured for length (mm), volume (ml), and mass (g).
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 17, 2012
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Cobb Trawl Day 6
Location: Wet Lab
Poetry into the Wee Hours of the Night
Here’s the data from Cobb Trawl Day: 6.1 Total mass of trawl: 490 g
Name of fish:
Numbers Count
Volume (milliliters)
Mass (grams)
Myctophids
124
140
150
Non-Myctophids
58
80
75
Crustaceans
14
negl
negl
Cephalopods:
10
30
30
Gelatinous zooplankton
59
104
100
Misc. zooplankton
n/a
60
97
Animals seen:
Lizard fish
Light fish
Mantis shrimp
Ctenophore/ comb jellies
Stomatopod
This coronet fish, in its larval form, was found in the Cobb trawl net.The snipe eel is one the longer fish we caught measuring 150 mm.The snipe eel mouth is shown close-up.Scientists sort the nightly catch after each Cobb trawl. Trays are used to divide into each catagory: myctophids, non-myctophids, crustaceans, cephalopods, gelatinous zooplankton, and misc. zooplankton
Cob Trawl Day 6.2 :Total Mass 1035 g
Name of fish:
Numbers Count
Volume (milliliters)
Mass (grams)
Myctophids
385
300
232
Non-Myctophids
51
60
70
Crustaceans
17
6
7
Cephalopods:
32
26
55
Gelatinous zooplankton
122
400
405
Misc. zooplankton
n/a
240
225
Animals seen:
Trumpet / coronet fish
Snip eel
Salps
Balloon squid
Fulmar bird
This fulmer bird landed on the deck of the ship during nighttime Cobb net trawling.
Poetry into the Wee Hours of the Night: A collaborative effort:
“The Cobb Trawl Net” / With my week nearly over working on the Cobb Trawl Net, I asked the scientists to join me in writing some scientific poetry about the operation. The Cobb Trawl Net operation is overseen by John Denton and Aimee Hoover. The net is brought out of the water twice during the wee hours of the night, using a large noisy winch which certainly disturbs the slumber of those light-sleepers on the ship. Coinciding with the Cobb Trawl Net activities are nightly Plankton Tows.
“I Wander Lonely as a Plankton” and “Plankton Mother” honor the various types of plankton and microplastics that Emily Norton and Louise Giuseffi are studying. We have been towing in different regions of American Samoan seas. One area is called 2% Bank. The other banks are called Northwest Bank and Southbank.
“Myctohpids” / Since most of the bio-mass of the ocean is taken up by the little myctohpid fish, they are represented with an acrostic poem. The poems show a passion for science and the research being conducted here in American Samoa. I truly thank these scientists, John, Aimee, Emily, and Louise for their teachings, patience, and sheer enthusiasm for their scientific projects.
The Cobb Trawl Net
inspired by” The Fog” by Carl Sandberg
The trawl net comes in on thundering howl
The great black maw
Grinding and snarling brings in its folded catch,
The ocean’s toothy offering from the liquid, teeming abyss.
I Wander Lonely as a Plankton
Inspired by “I Wander Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth
I wander lonely as a copepod
That floats high and low in the sapphire blue water column ofAmerican Samoa
When all at once I saw a school
A host of dog tooth tuna
Along the 2% Bank
Beneath the NOAA ship OscarElton Sette
Thunniform undulation and escaping through the gently rolling waves.
Plankton Mother
Meticulously, she guards her catch
A treasure trove of tiny beasts
Carefully each dish is filled for observation.
Peering through the powerful microscope the
Blinking, pulsing Cephalopods, the cobalt Copepods, and spiral, conical Pteropods
So fragile to the touch
Tweezers carefully coax each delicate specimen into position
Checking for morphological traits
Does it have…
…Mysterious dark organ on its tiny body?
…Pointy sword-like structure on its rostrum?
The newly found charge is preserved in a viscous solution
Our link to plankton’s DNA
transcriptome: all our DNA used to make proteins,
the building blocks of life
life’s basic units for construction
Myctophids
Multitudes of photophores, cup-shaped light emitting organs of epidermal origin. Many many millions of blinking dots
Yellow irises look with dreamy eyes like a glazed over donut.
Clues to many different species found in the mesopelagic layer of the deep, ebony ocean.
The ctenoid scales possessing sharp, spiky spines
Out of the obsidian shoots the silver sprites, the beautiful slender fish
Prickly long-tailed myctophids with their stern-chasers, supracaudal/infracaudal luminous organs
Hungry for krill, small crustaceans, copepods and other planktonic creatures
Iridescent
Densly packed balls of gleaming, pulsing Actinopterygians A.K.A. Actinops
Schooling, synchronistic swimmers, tiny voices of light circumgloabally distributed around the world, cosmopolites.
A collaboration by:
John Denton, Emily Norton, Aimee Hoover, Megan Duncan, Louise Guiseffi, and Jennifer Fry
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette
March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study
Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa
Date: March 23, 2012
Pictured here is a copepod (right) and a jelly (left) found in the plankton net.Copepod comprise approximately 85 % of the plankton population.These copepods images taken with a high-powered microscope with an internal camera.
Plankton Net Operation
11:00 p.m.
Learning how to work with the plankton net was so interesting. It required careful, meticulous, and orderly work. Emily Norton, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Biological Oceanography, is conducting daytime and nighttime tows targeting plankton. She’s particularly interested in collecting and studying copepods, a type of small crustacean which comprise ~80-90% of the plankton. Plankton is a name for a variety of plants and animals that live in the water column and are found throughout the world’s oceans. Plankton are important because they are an integral part of the food chain, and they can help scientists better understand currents and transport in the oceans. Helping with the plankton tow is Megan Duncan, oceanography participant, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research at the University of Hawaii. Together we deployed the net starting around 11:00 p.m. Due to migration patterns known as diel vertical migration, plankton can be collected more easily at night.
The net consists of a 1 meter metal ring with a fine mesh (200 um) net attached to collect the plankton.
At the end of the long, conical net is a collection filter tube or “codend.” This is the final collection point for all of the specimens funneled into the mouth of the net.
The flowmeter is then connected across the diameter of the metal ring, which measures the amount of water flowing past it.
With a crane operator’s help the net is lowered into the sea with 230 feet wire out which calculates to approximately 200 feet deep. This is called an “oblique tow” method.
The net remains in the water for 30 minutes.
Once brought to the surface, the net is rinsed with sea water multiple times to ensure all of the plankton are completely flushed down into the cod end.
The next step is filtering the plankton-rich seawater through a very fine sieve.
The plankton are either observed under a microscope or immediately preserved using an ethanol solution, 95% ethanol 5% water.
Labels are then placed inside the jar written in pencil on waterproof paper, and outside the jar using indelible marker.
The plankton will be processed at a later date in the lab for quantitative analysis.
In the lab, scientists study the plankton further, making observations and studying the DNA, Deoxyribonucleic Acid using PCR, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and sequencing. Similarities and differences (i.e. mutations) in the DNA sequences are used by scientists to determine how closely related populations of copepods are. This helps scientists infer how currents affect connectivity in the ocean.
Animals seen:
Copepods
Pteropods
Baby giant squid
juvenile fish, various species
Euphausiid
Q:What fish have you had the most interest in and why?
A: The most common fish caught in the net is the lanternfish or myctohid. They represent nearly 85% of the ocean’s biomass. One interesting feature is their photophores which produce light that emit from their bodies.
The myctophid pictured on the top is seen with its scales, compared to the bottom that shows them rubbed off due to being in the Cobb trawl net.
This tray of myctophids or lantern fish make up nearly 85% of the ocean’s biomass. They were the most common fish in our night Cobb Trawl nets.
Q: Have you gone scuba diving?
A: No, I didn’t do any S.C.U.B.A. (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving on this trip. There are NOAA ships that focus on research that require diving as their method of collecting data. We visited the NOAA ship Hi’ialakai that researches the coral reef biome in the American Samoa waters.
The NOAA ship Hi’ialakai conducts S.C.U.B.A. operations researching the coral reefs of American Samoa.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 16, 2012
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Science and Technology Log:
The day began on the Oscar Elton Sette with the small boat going Pago Pago harbor to re-fuel and collect supplies. That’s about the time I went to sleep. My own day started by waking up at 5:00 p.m. to rougher seas and unfortunately feeling a bit queasy. I took a walk outside hoping to get a bit of fresh air and relief. A gently rain fell as I peered over the ship’s railings. Thankfully the strong wind on my face helped my uneasiness.
Midwater Cobb Trawl 5.1
Animals Seen:
Squid
Trigger fish juvenile
Morey eel larvae
Pyrosome, various sizes
Puffer fish juvenile
Mola (sunfish) juvenile
Data collected Trawl 5.1
The data collected included:
Name of fish:
Numbers Count
Volume (milliliters)
Mass (grams)
Myctophids
118
120
135
Non-Myctophids
81
46
60
Crustaceans
5
Negl
Negl
Cephalopods:. .
14
32
60
Gelatinous zooplankton
51
114
85
Misc. zooplankton
n/a
160
185
Data Collected Trawl 5.2
The data collected included:
Name of fish:
Numbers Count
Volume (milliliters)
Mass (grams)
Myctophids
168
200
254
Non-Myctophids
209
130
125
Crustaceans
14
6
17
Cephalopods:
14
200
230
Gelatinous zooplankton
58
38
35
Misc. zooplankton
n/a
366
365
The first trawl began a 9:00 p.m. and the second at approx. 1:30 a.m.
Some very interesting specimens were in the net including:
A variety of squid: the largest measuring approx. 12 inches with out the tentacles,
one juvenile trigger fish
350 mm viper fish
Pyrosomes of various sizes
One juvenile puffer fish
Several Morey eel juvenile
Two juvenile sun-fish, Mola
While retrieving the trawl nets a light, warm rain sprinkled on us. We worked very hard, yet had an amazing amount of fun. Researchers Emily Norton and Louise Giuseffi joined during the tow. I think the saying goes, “The more scientists the merrier.”
While we measured, weighed, collected data, and examined our catch, songs emanated from the iPod playing in the wet-lab. As lengths and weights were recorded, voices sang along to the tunes into the wee hours of the morning. The theme song for tonight was Green Day’s “Hope you Had the Time of Your Life.”
I certainly am.
Everyone teacher needs to be a NOAA Teacher at Sea to experience first hand the amazing work scientists do each day.
It is now 11 :59 a.m. and time for sleep.
So much excitement, so many fish, so little time.
Scientist, Aimee Hoover is ready to input data from the midwater Cobb trawl which includes temperature and depth.
Pictured are American Samoan scientist, Sione "Juice" Lam Yuen and a squid found in the Cobb trawl net. Sione is ready to weigh and measure the squid.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 14, 2012
At Sea: Pago Pago, American Samoa
Science and Technology Log:
My current assignment aboard ship is helping the scientists with the “Nighttime Cobb Trawling” We conduct two trawls in the night, the first one beginning around 9:00 p.m. and the second one at 1:30 a.m.. After each trawl which lasts 2 hours, the nets are brought up and we sort the catch. The scientists are looking for migration patterns and types of sea life in this region. Not much data has been collected in American Samoa.
There are 3 other scientists working on this project.
John Denton, is from the Natural History Museum in New York.
Aimee Hoover works for University of Hawaii.
Sione “Juice” Lam Yuen and Faleselau “House” or “Fale” Tuilagi are from the Fisheries Dept .in American Samoa.
The two trawls exaimine five species of fish:
Myctophid fish
non-myctophid fish
crustaceans
gelatinous zooplankton
cephalopods
During one of the trawls the other night, they think they found a new species of myctophid fish. These fish have photophores which make them glow in the dark. They are anywhere from 4-5 inches to very tiny, 1 inch.
Myctophids are among the most numerous fish in the sea. They have specific light producing organs called photophores.
After 4 days on the night shift, I’m getting into the groove. Going to sleep at 6 a.m. and waking up at 1:00 p.m.
It’s crazy. Last night we did 2 trawls for fish. We caught a huge fish, approx 4 feet in diameter, called a Sharptail mola, Masturus lanceolatus or Sunfish. The scientists and crew were able to free him and let him go back into the ocean. Click here to see the exciting video of the release of the Mola: Releasing the Sharptail mola, Masturus lanceolatus/ Sun-fish
During tonight's Cobb trawl a sharp-tailed mola was caught in the net. The crew and scientists aided in freeing the fish allowing him to swim away. Mola can reach 100 years old.
When conducting a scientific experiment it is very important to maintain the same procedure or protocol. This allows the scientist to measure only that which he/she is interested in, keeping all constants the same.
Here is the procedure or protocol for each Midwater Cobb Trawl:
1. Secure the TDR and Netminds tracking devices to the trawl net Let out the trawl net, timing for 30 minutes at 350 meters of “wire out.”
2. Ask the bridge and trawl net operator to raise the net line to 100 meters “wire out.”
3. Time the trawling for additional 30 minutes.
4. Once the trawl net has been hauled in:
5. Cut away the TDR and Netminds tracking devices: Their data is read on the computer. Helping scientists determine temperature, depth for each trawl.
6. Working together, scientist and crew members collect the specimens caught is the Cobb net.
7. The fish collected are taken to the wet lab and strained into a net that is in turn poured into examining trays.
8. Scientists then collect data including: weight (volume & mass), length (centimeters) , and count the number of each species recording the
minimum and maximum lengths.
9. The scientists preserve each group of fish in ethanol/ ethyl alcohol which eases transportation and preserves the fish for further study back in the lab.
Personal Log:
I’ve switched to working the night shift, tonight being the third night. It’s getting a little easier, although we all still get punchy around 3-4 a.m. I am scheduled to work nights until next Monday. We will continue counting the fish, setting the trawl nets out, imputing the data, preserving the fish. All very interesting work.
Animals Seen:
Sharptail mola, Masturus lanceolatus fish
Moorish Idol fish
Two Moorish Idol fish were caught in the Cobb Trawl net. Their colors were brilliant including their unique dorsal filament.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 13, 2012
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Science and Technology Log:
The Teacher at Sea program in the South Pacific is going swimmingly.
Nighttime Midwater Cobb Trawls:
I’m on the night watch for the first week of our time at sea. Our research day starts at 8:30 p.m. The scientific team of 7 is trawling for bioluminescent fish, myctophids throughout the night. We trawl at several different depths then bring the net up to the surface. We sort the catch into five categories.
1. Myctophids
2. Non-Myctophids
3. Cephalopods: octopus/squid
4. Crustaceans: shrimp/lobster/krill
5. Gelatinous zooplankton: salps/jellies
5. Misc. zooplankton
Then we weigh measure and record all the contents of the net, Last night was our first attempt. The first trawl began at 9:00 p.m. With the NOAA crew members’ help, the net was lowered into the water after securing several tracking devices, TDR and Netminds, at different places on the net, which measured the longitude, latitude, water’s temperature and depth. The clock started and the net trawled with 350 meter line out from the ship. The trawl lasted for 30 minutes at which time the winch operator brought the line into 100 meters where the clock started for another 30 minutes.
In all, the net was positioned at 350 meter from the ship for 30 minutes and at 100 meters for another 30 minutes.
The second trawl attempt occurred around 1:30 a.m. The winch stopped, appearing to overheat, and couldn’t bring the net up to the surface. When it finally was retrieved, the time factor was no longer a constant, but became a variable. The total trawl time exceeded the 30 minutes. The scientists took very careful notes and made sure to record that the second net had been in the water for much longer that the first experiment/ attempt/ round. Scientists refer to each experiment as “replicate” By running many experiments in the same manner, ensures accuracy and careful data collection. They want to keep the constants and variables all standardized.
We got to bed around 4:30 in the morning.
Safety First aboard at all times: I was just awakened to a false alarm fire drill, which got my heart pumping, that’s for sure. It’s a good thing we have these drills for practice and accuracy.
The day was spent sleeping and acclimating to the new nighttime schedule.
The team of scientists working the Night Cobb Trawls re-convened at 8:30 p.m. We began the first trawl around 9:00 p.m. and continued the second at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Midwater Cobb Trawl #1 Tow #1 The data collected included:
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa
Date: March 12, 2012
Pago Pago Harbor
Personal Log
The governor's house is situated high on a hill, overlooking the pristine waters of Pago Pago Harbor.
The Oscar Elton Sette departs in the morning. The ship has been readied with the necessary supplies for the next two weeks at sea. The view of Pago Pago harbor from the ship is breathtaking, the multi-layered variety of green, lush tropical plants cover the steep hills that envelope the harbor. The sapphire-blue colored seas are so striking and luckily are very calm. Only a gentle rolling motion is felt as we slowly amble to our destination offshore.
Soon the emergency drills begin calling us to “muster” to our emergency stations. Out on the deck we met at our predetermined emergency station. There are three very important emergency drills:
Fire /Emergency drill where we all meet on Texas deck after hearing the ship’s bell/general alarm for 10 seconds.
The second drill is a Man Overboard. That is heard as 3 prolonged blasts of the ship’s general alarm. Each blast is 4-6 seconds in length.
In the event that you see the person who falls overboard, it is extremely important not to take your eyes off the victim.
The steps during a Man Overboard drill consists of:
1. Tell someone nearby to notify the bridge that someone has gone overboard.
2. Throw something that floats overboard, such as a life ring, to mark the location.
A cove in Pago Pago.
3. Keep pointing to the person overboard, this will help in the recovery process.
The third drill is the Abandon Ship Drill. This consists of 7 short blasts followed by 1 prolonged blast of the general alarm. During this drill we are instructed to bring our survival suit, life jacket, a hat, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and wear closed-toed shoes to the drill.
After mustering on the Texas Deck, we don our survival suit, a bright orange suit known as a “gumby suit” made of neoprene, which is easily seen during any emergency and acts as a floatation device.
Pictured during abandon ship are Jennifer Fry with crew member James McDade.
.
The NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette is named for Dr. Oscar Elton Sette. Dr. Sette was a pioneer in the development of fisheries oceanography and according to many fisheries scientists, is the father of modern fisheries oceanography in the U.S. He is recognized both nationally and internationally for many significant contributions to marine fisheries research. Oscar Elton Sette replaces Townsend Cromwell.
Oscar Elton Sette supports the scientific missions of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The ship normally operates throughout the central and western Pacific, and conducts fisheries assessment surveys, physical and chemical oceanography, marine mammal projects and coral reef research. It collects fish and crustacean specimens using bottom trawls, longlines, and fish traps. Plankton, fish larvae and eggs are also collected with plankton nets and surface and mid-water larval nets.
The ship routinely conducts scuba diving missions for the Honolulu Laboratory. Ample deck space enables Oscar Elton Sette to carry a recompression chamber as an added safety margin for dive-intensive missions in remote regions. The ship is actively involved in NMFS Honolulu Coral Reef Restoration cruises, which concentrate scientific efforts on the removal, classification and density of marine debris and discarded commercial fishing gear from fragile coral reefs.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 10, 2012
Pago Pago
Personal Log:
The Rotary Club of Pago Pago, American Samoa was chartered in 1969
When we first arrived in town I met up with family friend, Steve Watson who had emigrated to Samoa 35 years ago. When I met up with Steve, he invited me to join him at the monthly Rotary International Club of Pago Pago.
After a lovely lunch we listened to the business at hand presented by the members. Rotary International is a philanthropic organization that helps local groups in need. Current projects that the club is working on include helping build the school playground at the local Montessori School, an annual scholarship given to a deserving senior in high school , and donating to relief efforts in the Philippines after their recent devastating earthquake.
The rotarians’ guiding principles are included in the Four-Way Test.
The Four-Way Test
The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
While listening to the various speakers, Steve leaned over and asked, “Do you want to be a guest speaker?” I nodded and found myself in front of Pago Pago’s businessmen and women excitedly talking about the upcoming NOAA research vessel’s scientific experiments being conducted offshore in American Samoa. Included in my brief presentation was the variety of scientific research including:
Studies of microplastics
A variety of fishing with the aid of fishing reels and tackle and trawl nets
Plankton studies and collection
Photographing and data collection of fish species for later research
Everyone was so supportive and welcoming.
Here’s a bit about Rotary International of Pago Pago. The chapter began meeting in October 1969.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
For more information about Rotary International go to: www.rotary.org
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa
Date: March 15, 2012
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Science and Technology Log:
Nighttime Cobb Trawling : Day 4
We began the trawling around 8:30 p.m. The data we collect tonight will replace the previous trawl on day 2 which was flawed in the method by which the experiment was collected. The Day 2 experiment was when the winch became stuck and the trawl net was left in the water well over 2 ½ hours, long past the 1 hour protocol.
Here’s is what the science team found.
Tonight the trawl nets went into the ocean and were timed as all the other times.
During the sorting we found some very interesting species of fish which included:
Pyrosomes: chordate/Tunicate
Two Juvenile cow fish (we placed them into a small saltwater tank to observe interesting species caught in the net.)
This is a great place to make further observations of these unique animals.
The data collected included:
Name of fish:
Numbers Count
Volume (milliliters)
Mass (grams)
Myctophids
120
700
650
Non-Myctophids
148
84
115
Crustaceans
77
28
40
Cephalopods:
16
64
50
Gelatinous zooplankton
71
440
400
Misc. zooplankton
n/a
840
900
The Cobb trawl net was washed, rinsed and the fish strained through the net. They were then brought inside the web lab for further sorting.
The white-tailed tropic bird is a regular visitor to the South Pacific islands.
We were close to finishing the sorting, counting, and weighing when suddenly we heard something at the back door of the lab. Fale, the scientist from American Samoa went to the door and proceeded to turn the latch, and slowly opened the door. There huddled next to the wall, near some containers was a beautiful black and white Tropic bird, a common bird of this area. Its distinctive feature was the single white tail feather that jutted out about 1 foot in length. He looked just as surprised to see us and we were of him. He did not make a move at all for about 10-15 minutes . We took pictures and videos to mark the occasion, yet he still didn’t budge or act alarmed.
With a bit more time passing, he began to walk, or more like waddle like a duck. His ebony webbed feet made it difficult to maneuver over the open slats in the deck. He attempted flight but appeared to get confused with the overhanging roof.
I quickly found a small towel and placing it over his head, gently carried him to a safe spot on the aft deck where he would have no trouble flying away.
The time was about 2:00 a.m. when we were distracted by the ship’s fire alarm, and we quickly reported to our muster stations. Luckily, there was no fire and we returned resuming our trawl data collection. Upon reaching the wet lab, we noticed at the stern of the ship, our newly found feathered friend had flown off into the dark night.
It was a great way to end our night with research and early hour bird watching. How lucky we all are to be in the South Pacific.
Animals Seen:
Ppyrosome
Pictured here is a Pyrosome which many came up in our Cobb net.
Cow fish
Our trawl net caught three juvunile cow fish specimans which were quickly placed in our observation tank for further study.
Tropical bird
The Tropic bird, with its distinctive long tail feather, is common in the South Pacific.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa
Date: March 11, 2012
Pago Pago, American Samoa
A brief history of American Samoa is rich and varied. The highlights include:
The islands of American Samoa have a total land area of 76 square miles.
Coconuts grow everywhere in American Samoa and contribute to the daily diet.
Pago Pago or Tutuila contains about two thirds of the total area and is home to 95% of the 65,000 islanders.
American Samoa is located 14 degrees south of the equator, and 172 degrees meridian west, and is the center of Polynesia.
Located 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand, it forms a strategic midpoint on vital shipping and air routes.
Samoan islands were “officially discovered” by Dutch Explorer Jacob Roggeveen in 1722.
Initial contact with the outside world came with the introduction of Christianity by John Williams of the London Missionary Society. .
Traditional Samoan society is based on a chieftain system of hereditary rank, and is known as the “Samoan Way” or fa’a Samoa way of life.
Local cultural institutions are the strongest single influence in American Samoa. The fa’a Samoa way of life stems from the aiga, the extended family with a common allegiance to the matai, the family chief who regulates the family’s activities.
Religious institutions are very influential in the community and the village minister is accorded a privileged position, equal in status to a chief or matai.
The Fa’a Samoa also reflects a communal lifestyle with non-public ownership and 90% of the communal lands controlled by the family matai.
American Samoa has been a territory of the United States since the signing of the April 17, 1900 Deed of Cession.
The Pago Pago Harbor area was the site of the coaling station and a naval base. During the War Years, the United States built roads, airstrips, docks and medical facilities exposing island residents to the American way of life.
The government is divided into three branches, similar to the United States.
The Executive Branch is led by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,
the Legislative Branch is led by the local legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives, who are elected by popular vote and the Senate, who are represented by the village matai.
The judicial branch is part of the U.S. judicial system, and American Samoa has a non-voting representative elected to the U.S. Congress.
Since we arrived early, we were able to explore the island and its unique beauty. We drove up to the National Park of American Samoa, Ma’Oputasi. The vistas , beaches, flora, and fauna were breath-taking. Here is a pictorial tour of the sites.
Pago Pago is home to the largest tuna cannery in American Samoa. Many islanders are employed here.American Samoa celebrates 111th anniversary.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 9, 2012
Personal Log
Pago Pago
With the morning light, the island’s landscape came into view. Looking back toward land was the single road, a variety of buildings, consisting of numerous churches, restaurants, schools, and hotels. I have come to learn that each small village has its own church and outdoor meeting hall. Behind the buildings the topography extended upward forming a steep hillside covered with green, lush tropical plants, including a variety of palms and fruit trees laden with mangoes and papayas.
After a hearty Samoan breakfast with ten of the scientists that will be on the research vessel, we met with representatives from the local marine sciences community at the American Samoan government building. Chickens, chickens, and a small clutch of baby chickens happily pecked on the lawn in front of the building which put a smile on my face.
These chickens found their home in front of the Government Building of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Scientific Log
The chief scientist, Dr. Donald Kobayashi, began by introducing the team of scientists and gave a brief overview of the upcoming mission aboard NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette.
The variety of investigations that will be conducted during these next 2 weeks which include:.
Midwater Cobb trawls: Scientists, John Denton, American Museum of Natural History, and Aimiee Hoover, acoustics technician , Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research of the University of Hawaii, will conduct nighttime tows that will focus on epipelagic and pelagic juvenile reef fish and bottomfish species.
Bot Cam: Using a tethered camera that is later released to float to the surface, and using acoustics–a.k.a. sonar readings–scientists Ryan Nichols, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center , Meagan Sundberg, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research of the University of Hawaii, and Jamie Barlow , Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, will collect samples of fish at selected sites during the cruise.
CTD experiments: “Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth.” At predetermined locations scientists Evan Howell, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, and Megan Duncan, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research at the University of Hawaii, will collect water samples called “profiles” taken of the water column at different depths. This data is very important in determining the nutrients, chlorophyll levels, and other chemical make-up of the ocean water.
Plankton tows: Using plankton and Neuston nets, scientists Louise Giuseffi, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, and Emily Norton,University of Hawaii, Manoa, Biological Oceanography department, will conduct day and nighttime plankton tows focusing on plankton and microplastic marine debris. Scientists will be looking at a specific species of plankton called the copepod. This study will also be collecting microplastic pieces, some of which are called “nurdles” which are small plastic pellets used in the manufacturing process. Unfortunately most plastic debris will never degrade and just break into smaller and smaller pieces potentially working their way into the food web, making this research and its findings very important to environmental studies.
Handline fishing using a small boat, the Steel Toe: Scientists Ryan Nichols, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Meagan Sundberg, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research at the University of Hawaii, and Jamie Barlow, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, will conduct daily fishing expeditions obtaining scientific data on bottomfish, grouper and snapper species. They will be focusing on life history factors including age, growth, male/female ratios, length and weight. This is very exciting research since the last data collected from this region was from the 1970s and 80s.
I am very excited and fortunate to be part of this important scientific research project, and the significant data collected by the scientists.
Did You Know?
American Samoa pronunciation: The first syllable of “Samoa” is accented.
Pago Pago (capital of American Samoa): The “a” pronunciation uses a soft “an” sound as in “pong.”
Animals Seen Today
Frigate birds
Common Myna
“Flying Foxes” Fruit bats
Kingfisher
Brown tree frog
Dogs, various
Chickens, various
NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012
The NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette arrives in Pago Pago, American Sa'moaA tropical beach and azure seas in Pago Pago, American Sa'moa.
Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 8, 2012
Personal Log
Hawaii to Pago Pago
We arrived in Pago Pago yesterday around midnight. A fierce storm had just passed through dumping rain everywhere, evidence of which still remained on the tarmac. Exiting the plane came with a blast of hot, humid air like a furnace on full blast.
Through the thick air, we could barely make out a long string of lights illuminating the single road defining the island’s coastline.
As we queued up with our belongings, we were greeted by the Immigration & Customs agents of American Samoa. All the officials greeted us with enthusiasm and welcomed us to their island. Unlike our U.S.customs, each department wore a different colored uniform which consisted of a matching shirt and lava lava, which resembled a wrap around skirt. Bags were inspected, questions were answered, and we were off to our next destination.
We arrived at Sadies by the Sea, a seaside hotel situated next to a shallow bay.
After settling into the room, I ventured out onto my little porch/ lanai to view the scene only to see giant “flying foxes” of the area. The enormous fruit bats that encircled overhead were common to the island.
I was lulled to sleep by soft lapping sounds of waves as they greeting the shore. The excitement of the day soon turned to sleepy eyes and happy thoughts of what will come tomorrow and the next adventure.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 29, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge (0800)
Wind speed: 10 knots
Wind direction: 345° from the north
Visibility: fog
Temperature: 14.1°C (dry bulb); 13.8°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 10.6°C
Wave height: 1 ft.
Swell direction: 320°
Swell height: 3-5 ft.
Air pressure: 1011.0 mb Weather note: There are two temperature readings taken on the Miller Freeman. The dry bulb measures the current temperature of the air. The wet bulb measures the absolute humidity of the air; uses a thermometer wrapped in a wet cloth. The dry and wet temperatures together give the dew point and help to determine humidity.
Science and Technology Log
Those aboard the Miller Freeman: including NOAA Corps, crew, and scientists were randomly selected to answer the following question.
How are science and the environment important to the work you do?
Here are some of their responses:
Lisa Bonacci, Chief Scientist/Research Fish Biologist, M.S. Marine Biology “As a Fisheries Biologist at NOAA I work in applied science. Our research provides information that managers and policy makers use to make important decisions at a national level. These decisions help the United States keep our fisheries sustainable and at the same time protect our ocean ecosystems.”Pat Maulden, Wiper, Engineering Department “I like being part of the solution. If you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”John Pohl, NOAA Oceanographer, B.S. Oceanography “Every action has a consequence. Science improves our understanding of the world around us and consequences of our actions in the natural world. We are not separate from the environment in which we live. We can’t hold ourselves out of the natural world, or we will affect the balance.”Steve DeBlois, NOAA Research Fish Biologist “Science is a methodology by which we understand the natural world.”Jose Coito, Lead Fisherman “I try to help the scientific research on the ship whenever I can. I enjoy my job.”LTjg Jennifer King, NOAA Corps Officer, B.S. Marine Biology “Science helps understand natural processes: how things grow, and how nature works. We need to help protect it. Science shows how in an ecosystem, everything depends on one another.”Steve Pierce, Physical Oceanographer, Oregon State University, Ph.D. Physical Oceanography “None of this research is possible without math. My study is a cool application of math.”John Adams, Ordinary Fisherman “Science helps you understand why things go. The environment is really important to protect because it’s the only one we’ve got.”LTjg Oliver Brown, NOAA Corps Navigation Officer, B.S. Geology “Understanding the processes of today to predict and sustain the systems of tomorrow. Anything you can study: fisheries, atmospheric or any “ology”, the ocean plays a part in it.”Adam Staiger, Second Cook “Remember to clean up after yourself.”Francis Loziere, Able Seaman, B.S. Chemistry/Engineering “Studying science can help foster original thinking. We need original thinking to save the planet.”Julia Clemons, Oceanographer, M.S. Geology “Science helps us to better understand the world we live in so we are not ignorant and live in a more responsible and aware manner.”Chris Grandin, DFO, Canadian Fisheries, Biologist, M.S. Earth & Ocean Sciences “We’re here to keep tabs on the fish resources of our planet, to ensure that there will be fish for the future generations, and to sustain our ecology. We all need to take responsibility.”Dezhang Chu, NOAA fisheries, Physical Scientist, PhD Geophysics “To study science you need devotion and dedication. It’s not something you make a lot of money at, but you can contribute good things to human society.”Gary Cooper, Skilled Fisherman, “I’ve always loved the sea. You get out of a job, what you put into it. Set your goals high and you’ll be successful.”Melanie Johnson, NOAA Fishery Biologist “Taking care of our environment, it’s the right thing to do. We need to live responsibility and sustainably; we can’t over fish or litter our world. If you don’t want it in your backyard, don’t put it in the ocean.”Mark Watson, Wiper, Engineering Department “Life and science go hand in hand; you can’t have one other the other.”Ed Schmidt, First Assistant Engineer, Relief Chief “In my field of engineering, science and math go hand in hand. You have to have both. On the science side, there are relationships between different fluids, gases, and the theories behind what make the equipment work. You need to use math to find combustion rates, horsepower, electricity produced/consumed, and the list goes on and on. Without math and science I wouldn’t have a job.”
The engineers aboard the Miller Freeman are a group of hard working people. There are always engineers on duty 24 hours/ day to ensure the ship is running properly. Jake DeMello, 2nd engineer, gave me a tour of the Miller Freeman’s engine room. Jake attended California Maritime Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering. He has a 12-4 shift which means that he works from noon to 4:00 p.m. and then again from midnight to 4:00 a.m.
Jake DeMello stands by the desalination machine in the Miller Freeman’s engine room.
Before taking the job aboard NOAA’s Miller Freeman, Jake worked on a Mississippi River paddle boat traveling from New Orleans north past St. Louis through the rivers’ many dams and locks. He reminisced on one memorable moment aboard the paddleboat; the day he saw Jimmy Dean, the famous singer and sausage maker. Jake and the other engineers do many jobs around the ship including checking the fuel and water levels throughout the day and fixing anything that needs repairing. The Miller Freeman is equipped with a machine shop, including lathe and welding equipment.
Among the jobs of the engineer is reporting daily fuel levels including:
Hydraulic oil used for daily fish trawls, CTD, gantry, and winch operations.
Gasoline used for the “Fast Recovery Boat.”
Diesel fuel used for the main engine.
Lube oil used for main engines and generators.
We say good-bye to the hake both big and small.
Fresh water production: The ship’s water desalination machine transforms 2,000 gallons of sea water into fresh drinking water daily. The ship’s water tanks hold a total of 7,350 gallons of fresh water. Another job of the engineer is taking soundings throughout the day/night. Taking soundings means measuring the levels of liquid in the tanks. There are tanks on both the starboard and port sides of the ship. The engineer needs to be sure that fuel levels are evenly distributed so that the ship will be evenly balanced in the ocean.
Vocabulary: Starboard: right side of the ship. Port: left side of the ship.
Personal Log
I write this off the coast of Oregon in the North Pacific Ocean. It has been an amazing 17 days aboard the Miller Freeman. I feel honored to have participated in NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program. It has truly changed the way I look at science in the classroom and has given be a better understanding of how scientists conduct research on a day to day basis in the field. I am excited to have made so many learning connections between the real world of scientific study and the elementary school science classroom. I thank NOAA, the Teacher at Sea program and the entire crew, NOAA Corps, and scientists aboard the Miller Freeman for this opportunity.
My profound gratitude goes out to the dedicated science team aboard the Miller Freeman for all they have taught me.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 28, 2009
Map of the world showing longitude and latitude lines
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 17 knots
Wind direction: 345° from the north
Visibility: 8 nautical miles /clear
Temperature: 16.8°C (dry bulb); 11.6°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 15.5°C
Wave height: 3-5 ft.
Air pressure: 1012.9 millibars Weather note: Millibars is a metric unit used to measure the pressure of the air.
Science and Technology Log
Weather Instruments and Predicting Weather
Lt Oliver Brown, surrounded by navigational tools, and Fishery Scientist Steve DeBlois make observations on the bridge of the Miller Freeman.
Everything that happens out at sea is dependent upon the weather forecasts. Throughout history man has used a variety of instruments to acquire accurate weather information. The Miller Freeman is equipped with state of art weather reporting instruments. Every 3 hours weather data is sent to the National Weather Service to help predict the weather at sea. Once again accuracy in reporting data is paramount.
Global Position: The Miller Freeman has several methods by which to determine longitude and latitude, which is our position in the ocean or on land. There are 2 G.P.S. systems on the bridge, a magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and radar. These instruments help determine the ship’s position.
True north: The actual location of a point on the earth related to the north pole.
A Gyrocompass with cardinal headings including north, south, east, and west
Magnetic north: Caused by the magnetic pull on the earth. Magnetic north heading is different depending on where you are on the earth, for instance, Magnetic north in Oregon has a variation of 16.45°east from true north. Southern California has a variation of 13.3° east from true north.
Temperature: Measured by a thermometer, units used are Celsius. Dry bulb: Measures air temperature. Wet bulb: Uses a thermometer wrapped in a wet cloth. The dry and wet temperatures together give the dew point and help to determine humidity.
Wind Speed: Measured in knots using an anemometer, or estimated by using the Beaufort scale. The Beaufort scale uses observations of the sea surface, and the effects of wind on people or objects aboard ship to estimate the wind speed.
Wind Direction: Is measured by what direction in which the wind is coming.
Cloud Height/Type: Is measured visually.
Cloud Type: Is measured visually using a variety of names of clouds depending on their patterning and altitude.
Magnetic compass
Visibility: Is measured by estimating how much of the horizon can be seen.
Wave Direction: measured visually from the direction the wave comes.
Wave Height: The vertical distance between trough (bottom of the wave) and crest (top of the wave) and is usually measured in feet.
Swell Direction/ Height: Measured visually usually in feet.
Personal Log
I have enjoyed my time on the bridge of the Miller Freeman immensely. I have a better understanding of the weather instruments used onboard and am getting better at spotting whales and identifying birds. I want to thank the entire NOAA Corps Officers who have taught me so much about how navigation and weather work aboard the Miller Freeman.
Crewmember John Adams uses on-board weather instruments to record hourly weather readings that are then sent to National Weather Service.An anemometer, which measures wind speed
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 27, 2009
The CTD, resembling a giant wedding cake constructed of painted steel, measures the composition of the water, salinity, temperature, oxygen levels, and water pressure.
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 13 knots
Wind direction: 003°from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 13.6°C (dry bulb); 13.2°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 15.1°C
Wave height: 1-2 ft.
Swell direction: 325°
Swell height: 4-6 ft.
Science and Technology Log
Each night beginning at around 9:00 p.m. or 21:00, if you refer to the ship’s clock, Dr. Steve Pierce begins his research of the ocean. He is a Physical Oceanographer and this marks his 11th year of conducting CTD, Conductivity, Temperature, and Density tests.
It takes 24 readings per second as it sinks to the seafloor. The CTD only records data as it sinks, insuring the instruments are recording data in undisturbed waters. For the past 11 years Dr. Pierce and his colleagues have been studying density of water by calculating temperature and salinity in different areas of the ocean. By studying the density of water, it helps to determine ocean currents. His data helps us examine what kind of ocean conditions in which the hake live. Using prior data, current CTD data, and acoustic Doppler current profiler, a type of sonar, Dr. Pierce is trying to find a deep water current flowing from south to north along the west coast. This current may have an effect on fish, especially a species like hake.
This map illustrates part of the area of the hake survey.
Dr. Steve Pierce reminds us, “None of this research is possible without math. Physical oceanography is a cool application of math.” Another testing instrument housed on the CTD apparatus is the VPR, Visual Plankton Recorder. It is an automatic camera that records plankton, microscopic organisms, at various depths. The scientists aboard the Miller Freeman collect data about plankton’s feeding habits, diurnal migration, and their position in the water column. Diurnal migration is when plankton go up and down the water column to feed at different times of day (see illustration below). Plankton migration patterns vary depending on the species.The scientists aboard the Miller Freeman followed the east to west transect lines conducting fishing trawls. The first one produced 30 small hake averaging 5 inches in length. The scientists collected marine samples by weighing and measuring them.
Dr. Steve Pierce at his work station and standing next to the CTD on a bright sunny day in the Northern Pacific Ocean.This illustration depicts the diurnal migration of plankton.
Personal Log
It was extremely foggy today. We traversed through the ocean evading many obstacles including crab and fishing buoys and other small boats. Safety is the number one concern on the Miller Freeman. The NOAA Corps Officers rigorously keep the ship and passengers out of harm’s way. I am grateful to these dedicated men and women. LTjg Jennifer King, marine biologist and NOAA Corps officer says, “Science helps understand natural process: how things grow and how nature works. We need to protect it. Science shows how in an ecosystem, everything depends on one another.”
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 26, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 10 knots
Wind direction: 100° [from the east]
Visibility: fog
Temperature: 13.5°C (dry bulb); 13.5°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 10°C
Wave height: 1ft.
Swell direction: 315° Swell height: 6 ft.
Here I am checking HAB samples.
Science and Technology Log
We conducted a number of HAB, Harmful Algal Bloom sample tests. The Harmful Algal Bloom test takes samples at predetermined location in our study area. The water is filtered to identify the presence of toxic plants (algae) and animals (zooplankton). The plankton enter the food chain specifically through clams and mussels and can be a possible threat to human health.
We also conducted XBTs, Expendable Bathythermograph; and one fishing trawl net. The trawling was successful, catching hake, squid, and Myctophids. Fishery scientist, Melanie Johnson collected specific data on the myctophids’ swim bladder. The swimbladder helps fish regulate buoyancy. It acts like a balloon that inflates and deflates depending on the depth of the fish. Sharks on the other hand have no swim bladder. They need to swim to maintain their level in the water. Marine mammals such as dolphins and whales have lungs instead of a swimbladder. Most of the sonar signal from the fish comes from their swimbladder. The study of the swimbladder’s size helps scientists determine how deep the fish are when using the sonar signals and how strong their sonar signal is likely to be.
Commander Mike Hopkins, LTjg Oliver Brown, and crewmember John Adams conduct a marine mammal watch on the bridge before a fishing trawl.
The scientists tried to conduct a “swim through” camera tow, but each time it was aborted due to marine mammals in the area of the net. During the “Marine Mammal Watch” held prior to the net going in the water, we spotted humpback whales. They were observed breeching, spouting, and fluking. The humpback then came within 30 feet of the Miller Freeman and swam around as if investigating the ship.
Animals Seen Today Fish and animals trawled: Hake, Squid (Cephalopod), and Myctophids. Marine Mammals: Humpback whale. Birds: Albatross, Fulmar, and Shearwater.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 25, 2009
Black-footed Albatross
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 10 knots
Wind direction: 355°from the north
Visibility: fog
Temperature: 11°C (dry bulb); 10°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 9.2°C
Wave height: 2 ft.
Swell direction: 310°
Swell height: 5 ft.
Science/Technology Log
Three fishing trawls were conducted today. We took biological samples from the hake collected. The following is a list of other fish retrieved:
Octopus: 1
Squid: 47
Glass shrimp: 50
Shrimp (another species): 3
Bird observations: Many bird species are seen around the boat each time there is a fishing trawl net. They range in size and flying pattern. Here are a few of them.
Black-footed Albatross(Phoebastria nigripes): Mostly dark in all plumage, or feathers; White undertail and white may be on belly; Range: Seen around the year off west coast in spring and summer; Winters in Hawaii.
While observing the albatross and fulmar fly, I noticed that they glide gracefully across the waves gently touching the tip of their wing into the water. During take off, the albatross uses his giant webbed feet to push off by “running” on the surface of the water. Similarly during landing; his feet appear to “run” on the water which seems to slow him down.
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus): Whitish underwing contrasts with overall dark plumage; Range: breeds in southern hemisphere; Abundant off west coast, often seen from shore.
Pink-footed Shearwater (P. creatopus): Blackish-brown; white wing underparts, a bit mottled; Range: spends summers in northern Pacific; winters in ChileNorthern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis): Gull-sized seabird; rapid wingbeats alternating with gliding over waves; color is rather uniform with not strong contrasts; gray overall with whitish undersides; range: Northern Pacific Ocean and Northern Atlantic Ocean; Breeds: Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
Fun on-line NOAA activities such as Make your own Compass, Tying Knots, Learn about Nautical Charts, Be a Shipwreck detective, and Make a tornado in a bottle.
Commander Mike Hopkins overlooks the North Pacific Ocean just off the Oregon Coast from the bridge. His job is to make sure everything aboard the Miller Freeman is running smoothly.
NOAA Commissioned Corps Officers are a vital part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Officers provide support during NOAA missions ranging from launching a weather balloon at the South Pole, conducting hydrographic or fishery surveys in Alaska, maintaining buoys in the tropical Pacific, flying snow surveys and into hurricanes. NOAA Corps celebrates its 202nd birthday this year.
Animals Seen Today Fish and other trawled animals: Hake, Octopi, Squid, and Shrimp. Birds: Fulmar, Shearwater, Albatross, and Gulls.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 24, 2009
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 24 knots
Wind direction: 355° from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 17.3°C (dry bulb); 15.5°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 9.8°C
Wave height: 3 ft.
Swell direction: 350°
Swell height: 5-6 ft.
Science and Technology Log
There is an abundance of marine life in the ocean today: sightings include a humpback whale breaching and spy-hopping. Breaching is when a whale jumps out of the water. Spy-hopping is when the whale’s head comes out of the water vertically and “takes a peek” at his surroundings. We also sighted the Pacific white-sided dolphins that appeared to be “playing” with the ship. They would swim perpendicularly to the ship’s hull and at the last minute; veer away at a 90° angle. The dolphins were also swimming alongside the bow and the side of the ship.
Beautiful view
The sonar signals indicate an abundance of marine life under the sea and the presence of marine mammals helps us draw that conclusion. All that life is probably their prey. We made 2 fishing trawls which included hake and 2 small squid, split nose rockfish, and dark, blotched rockfish. That was the first time I had seen rockfish. They are primarily a bottom dweller. Scientists don’t want to catch too many rockfish because they tend to be over fished and their numbers need to beprotected. Also, we only want to catch the fish species we are surveying, in this case, hake. The scheduled camera tow was cancelled because we did not want to catch marine mammals. The camera tow is described as a net sent down to depth that is opened on both sides. It takes video of the fish swimming by. This helps the scientists determine what species of fish are at each particular depth, during which the fish are not injured for the most part.
Personal Log
It was very exciting to see the humpback whale and dolphins today. They appeared to be very interested in the ship and it looked like they were playing with it. It was a perfect day with the sun shining and calm seas.
Question of the Day
What are ways scientists determine the health of the ocean?
Did You Know? Breaching is when a whale jumps out of the water. Spy-hopping is when the whale’s head comes out of the water vertically and “takes a peek” at his surroundings.
Animals Seen Today Marine mammals: Pacific white-sided dolphins, California sea lion, and Humpback whale: spy hopping. Birds: Fulmar, Shearwater, Albatross, and Skua. Fish: Hake, Split nose rockfish, and Dark Blotched rockfish.
Ode to the Miller Freeman
As the chalky white ship, the Miller Freeman cuts through the icy blue waters of the North Pacific Ocean,
I stand in wonderment at all I see before me.
A lone Pacific white-sided dolphin suddenly surfaces over the unending mounds of waves.
A skua circles gracefully negotiating up and over each marine blue swell
Off in the distance, the band of fog lurks cautiously, waiting its turn to silently envelop the crystal blue sky.
Watching this beauty around me I have arrived, I am home.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 23, 2009
Here I am in the lab helping with the HAB samples.
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 15 knots
Wind direction: 350°from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 12.0°C (dry bulb); 11.8°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 9.7°C
Wave height: 2 ft.
Swell direction: 000°
Swell height: 4 ft.
Science/Technology Log
We began the day conducting 2 HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) sample tests of the ocean. This tests the amount of plankton in the water. Scientists test this because some plankton can carry harmful toxins that can get into the fish and sea life we eat, such as clams. Later we sighted numerous marine mammals including: 2 humpback whales (breaching), 12 Pacific white-sided dolphins, and California sea lions.
Acoustic data
We made two trawls which provided plenty of hake for us to observe, measure, and collect data. Acoustic Judging: One important aspect of the acoustic hake survey is what scientists do when not trawling. There is a process called judging that fishery biologist, Steve De Blois spends most of his day doing. While looking at acoustic data, he draws regions around schools of fish or aggregations of other marine organisms and assigns species identification to these regions based on what he sees on the acoustic display and catch information gathered from trawls. He uses 4 different frequencies to “read” the fish signals—each shows different fish characteristics. Having started at the Alaska Fishery Science Center in 1991, this is Steve’s 19th year of participating in integrated acoustic and trawl surveys and his eighth acoustic survey studying Pacific hake. He’s learned how to read their signs with the use of sonar frequencies and his database. Steve tells us about the importance of science: “Science is a methodology by which we understand the natural world.”
Pacific white-sided dolphin
New Term/Phrase/Word Pelagic: relating to, living, or occurring in the waters of the ocean opposed to near the shore. In terms of fish, this means primarily living in the water column as opposed to spending most of their time on the sea floor.
Steve De Blois, NOAA Research Fishery Biologist, shares acoustic data with Julia Clemons, NOAA Oceanographer, aboard the Miller Freeman.
Did You Know?
Northern fur seals are pelagic for 7-10 months per year. Pelagic Cormorant birds live in the ocean their entire life.
Humpback whales
Animals Seen Today
Humpback whales (2), Pacific white-sided dolphin (12), California sea lions (6), and Northern fur seal.
Humpback whale breaching
In Praise of…Harmful Algal Bloom Samples
Crystal cold ocean water running through clear plastic pipes
Be patient as containers are carefully rinsed out three times.
The various sized bottles are filled with the elixir of Poseidon
Accurate measuring is essential.
Consistency ensures accurate results.
Once the water is filtered, tweezers gently lift plankton-laden filter papers.
All samples await analysis in the 20°F freezer.
Data from each test is later recorded;
Levels of domoic acid, Chlorophyll,
And types, populations, and species of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 22, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 13 knots
Wind direction: 003°from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 13.6°C (dry bulb); 13.2°C (wet bulb)
Sea water temperature: 15.1°C
Wave height: 1-2 ft.
Swell direction: 325°
Swell height: 4-6 ft.
Science/Technology Log
Today we did a fishing trawl off the coast of Oregon. First, the scientists used multiple acoustic frequencies of sound waves. After analyzing the sonar data, the scientists felt confident that they would get a good sampling of hake. The chief scientist called the bridge to break our transect line (the planned east/west course) and requested that we trawl for fish.
Here is an acoustic image (2 frequencies) as seen on the scientist’s screen. The bottom wavy line is the seafloor, and the colored sections above are organisms located in the water column.
The NOAA Corps officers directed operations from the trawl house while crew members worked to lower the net to the target depth. The fishing trawl collected specimens for approximately 20 minutes. After that time, the crew members haul in the net. The scientists continue to record data on the trawl house.
The trawl net sits on the deck of the Miller Freeman and is ready to be weighed and measured.
Today’s total catch fit into 2 baskets, a “basket” is about the size of your laundry basket at home, approximately 25-35 kilos. Included in the sample were some very interesting fish:
Viper fish
Ctenophores or comb jellies
Larval stage Dover sole, lives at the sea bottom
Jelly fish, several varieties (*Note: Jelly fish are types of zooplankton, which means they are animals floating in the ocean.)
Hake, approx. 30 kilos
The scientists made quick work of weighing and identifying each species of fish and then began working with the hake. Each hake was individually measured for length and weighed. The hake’s stomach and otolith were removed. These were carefully labeled and data imputed into the computer. Scientists will later examine the contents of the stomach to determine what the hake are eating. The otolith (ear bone) goes through a process by which the ear bone is broken in half and then “burnt.” The burning procedure allows one to see the “age rings” much like how we age a tree with its rings.
Personal Log
A view from the trawl house during a fishing trawl.
Everyone works so very hard to make the Hake Survey successful. All hands on the ship do a specific job, from cook to engineer to captain of the ship. It is evident that everyone takes their job seriously and is good at what they do. I feel very fortunate to be part of this very important scientific research project.
A viper fish
Did You Know?
Bird facts: An albatross’ wing span can be 5 feet, which equals one very large sea bird. A shearwater is slimmer and smaller yet resembles an albatross.
Animals Seen Today
Ctenophore, Jelly Fish, Dover sole, Hake, Humboldt squid, Fulmar, Albatross, Gull, and Shearwater.
Here is something interesting, a hake with two mouths discovered in the trawl net.A hake and its stomach contents, including krill, smaller hake and possibly an anchovyDover Sole, larval stage†NOAA Oceanographer John Pohl and NOAA Fish Biologist Melanie Johnson discuss data about the fish collected.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 21, 2009
Boatswain Matt Faber, and Skilled Fisherman, Gary Cooper, tend to full net of hake from one of the day’s trawl.
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 10 knots
Wind direction: 011°from the north
Visibility: cloudy
Temperature: 16.2°C (dry bulb); 14.9°C (wet bulb) Weather note: When you speak of wind direction you are talking about the direction in which the wind is coming.
Science/Technology Log
You can see by the weather data above that the seas were much calmer today. We were able to conduct 3 fishing trawls amounting to several thousand kilograms of hake. Once the fish were hauled onto the deck, we began measuring, weighing, dissecting, and removing otoliths, ear bones, for age analysis. I removed my first pair of otoliths today. The best part of the day was the last and final trawl. We collected approximately 3,000 pounds of Humboldt squid which equals 444 squid. The math problem to calculate is… “How much would one squid weigh in our catch?”
Julia Clemons, NOAA Fisheries and Jennifer Fry, TAS pictured with Humbolt squid. Today’s catch totaled 444 squid.
Personal Log
What strikes me today is just how dedicated the scientists and crew are to their jobs. Everyone has a specific job aboard the Miller Freeman that they take seriously.
Question of the Day
Can you use squid ink as you do regular ink? Is there a market for squid inked products such as cards?
New Term/Phrase/Word
Cusk eel
Animals Seen Today
Fish: Humbolt squid, Hake, Iridescent Cusk eel (see photo), Myctophid Birds: Shearwaters, Albatross, Gulls
The Squid
The squid come on little tentacled feet
Falling, splatting, rolling, and sliding out of its netted jail.
Free at last
To be weighed and measured
Sitting on a strong mantle in a flowing liquid of ebony and midnight.
Your silent escape goes unnoticed.
The Clouds
The clouds slither on little squid tentacles
The midnight inky darkness envelopes the sky and warns us of foreboding
It sits looking over ships and sea lions
Its silent mantle quietly slides away.
(Inspired by Carl Sandberg’s “The Fog”)
The squid were examined, weighed, and the data entered into the data base.A cusk eel
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 20, 2009
Chief scientist, Dezhang Chu, gets to know a hake while chief scientist, Lisa Bonacci looks on.
Weather Data from the Bridge
Reading in the morning:
Wind speed: 40 knots
Wind direction: 000°from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 11.6°C (dry bulb); 10.5°C (wet bulb)
Reading in the afternoon:
Wind speed: 20 knots
Wind direction: 358°from the north
Visibility: foggy
Temperature: 12.2°C (dry bulb); 11.8°C (wet bulb)
Science/Technology Log
Collecting the hake’s stomach help scientists determine its diet.
Fishing trawl #1. We conducted a successful fishing trawl. Collection of hake totaled 3500 kg. (kilograms.) Pictured are chief scientists Lisa Bonacci and Dezhang Chu getting to know the hake. Fishing trawl #2: There was trouble with the sonar equipment so we were unable to conduct a successful fishing trawl.
Personal Log
Today’s unsuccessful fishing trawl due to a malfunction reminds me that we often learn more from our mistakes that our successes. Scientists are constantly reviewing their scientific process to make sure they align with their hypothesis. After 3 days of gale force winds (34-40 knots) and big waves, today was a welcome change with 20 knot winds and calm seas in the afternoon. I finally feel like I’ve my “sea legs” about me.
The hake stomach and a pair of otolith, ear bones will help determine what the hake is eating and how old the fish are.
Animals Seen Fish: Hake Myctophidae Birds: Fulmar, Albatross, Gulls, and Shearwater
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 19, 2009
The XBT (Expendable Bathythermograph)
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 42 knots
Wind direction: 350°from the north
Visibility: clear
Temperature: 11.4°C (dry bulb); 10.4°C (wet bulb)
Science and Technology Log
The seas are still very rough with 40 knot winds. No fishing trawls due to the high waves and heavy seas. However, despite the rough seas, we were able to conduct an XBT, which stands for Expendable Bathythermograph. An XBT is a measuring apparatus consisting of a large lead weight connected to a very thin copper wire. The function of the XBT is to measure the temperature throughout the water column. It is launched off the stern (back) of the ship. As it sinks to the sea floor, temperature data is transmitted to an onboard computer.
Biologist Chris Grandin prepares to launch an XBT
Personal Log
The Miller Freeman is an NOAA research vessel. Here’s a bit of information about the Miller Freeman…For more information go here. The Miller Freeman is a 215foot fisheries and oceanographic research vessel and is one of the largest research trawlers in the United States. Its primary mission is to provide a working platform for the study of the ocean’s living resources. The ship is named for Miller Freeman (1875-1955), a publisher who was actively involved in the international management of fish harvests. The ship was launched in 1967, but not fully rigged until 1975. The vessel was again re-rigged in 1982. Its home port is Seattle, Washington. It is capable of operating in any waters of the world. The ship has 7 NOAA Corps officers, 27 crew members, and maximum of 11 scientists.
Following is a “tour” of the ship. It has many nice amenities for extended life at sea.
The Laundry Room – Here’s where we do our laundry. The laundry room is located in the bow/front of the ship which bounces up and down a lot, so you can feel pretty sea sick at times.The Kitchen – Our 3 amazing cooks, Bill, Larry, and Adam, work hard preparing 3 meals a day for over 30 people. They have quite a difficult and detailed job.The Galley – This is where we enjoy deliciously prepared meals.The Library – Pictured here is the ship’s library where crew members can read and check e-mail.The Lounge – Here’s the lounge where movies and video games can be watched.The Gym – The gym is located on the lowest level of the ship. This is where you can work off the great food that you’ve eaten.
The Gift of Patience
Wending our way through the North Pacific Ocean,
The massive waves crash against our hull with Herculean strength
As high as a one story building, their tops are dolloped with luscious whipped cream
They take their turn crashing against the ships sturdy hull, as gale force winds whip wildly past.
We play a waiting game. We practice the ancient art of patience.
When will we have hake, the silvery, slender fish that evades our sonar?
As the winds blow, cold sea spray stings my face.
I watch as the never ending line of waves wait their turn to hit the ship’s hull.
The waves wait patiently as do we.
The sea teaches us serenity.
We must not show greed or impatience.
The sea will provide.
One should lay empty and open waiting for the gifts from the sea.
~Inspired by Anne Morrow Lindberg’s Gifts from the Sea
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 18, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 40 knots
Wind direction: 350°from the north
Visibility: foggy Temperature: 12.9°C (dry bulb); 12.0°C (wet bulb)
Wave height: 8-10 feet
Science and Technology Log
Lisa Bonacci, chief scientist and Melanie Johnson, fishery biologist in the Freeman’s acoustics lab
Acoustics: Lisa Bonacci, chief scientist, and Melanie Johnson, fishery biologist, are in the acoustics lab onboard the Miller Freeman as it travels along a transect line. NOAA scientists can detect a variety of marine life under the sea. They use sonar—sound waves bouncing off an object—to detect the animals. There is an onboard sonar system that puts out four different frequencies of sound waves. Each type of fish will give off a different signal depending on its size, shape, and anatomy. The fish are then identified on the sonar computer readout. The strength of the sonar signal will determine the number of hake and the way that they are swimming. As soon as it appears on the sonar as if hake are present, Ms. Bonacci then calls the bridge to request that we trawl for fish.
This is the sonar readout as it’s seen on the computer screen.
Personal Log
The boat was rocking in all directions with 40 knot winds and 8-10 foot waves. The fishing trawl brought up scores of fish including a lot of hake. The sonar signals worked really well to locate them. We dissected and measured many fish, but not before we sat in a giant vat of hake (see photo.) It was a great learning day.
Animals Seen Today
Hake,spiny dogfish, Humbolt squid, Myctophidae, and Birds.
Here we are in a giant vat of hake!
Discovery from the Briny
As the trawl net was raised from the depths
The sun broke through the clouds revealing a sparkling azure sky.
Scores of seagulls circled the stern
In the hopes of a bountiful offering
Tasty morsels from the deep
Soon to be thrown overboard.
American fishery biologist, Melanie Johnson, and Canadian fishery biologist, Chris Grandin, take biological samples.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 17, 2009
Hake are unloaded into holding containers, soon to be weighed and measured
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 20 knots
Wind direction: 340°from the north- north west
Visibility: foggy
Temperature: 15.2°C (dry bulb); 13.0°C (wet bulb)
Science and Technology Log
Each day I observe the NOAA scientists using the scientific process. These are the same process skills we learn in the classroom. The scientists determine what they want to find out and state it in a question form. These are some of the questions/hypotheses that they are trying to answer.
What and where are the populations of hake?
In what environments do the hake best thrive?
When do they migrate?
What do they feed on?
What feeds on the hake?
Once the hake are observed on the sonar, the trawl net is dropped into the water. The fish are hauled out onto the deck where they are emptied into huge holding bins. Scientists want a good sampling of hake for the survey, not too much and not too little. Getting a good sample is important to the scientists; both for their research and the environment. The scientists don’t want to take too many hake each time they fish, doing this might diminish the hake population.
Collecting Data: Observing – Using the senses to collect information.
Classifying – Sorting or ordering objects or ideas into groups or categories based on their properties.
Measuring – Determining dimensions (length/area), volume, mass/weight, or time of objects or events by using instruments that measure these properties.
Otoliths—fish ear bones—are extracted and placed in vials (test tubes) for later study.
The scientists then collect their data. Fish are separated by species or classified. All hake collected are then weighed. A certain number of them are measured in length, and their sex is determined. Scientists observe; dissect a group of hake, and collect the fish’s ear bones, called the otoliths, (2 white oval shapes pictured above). Otoliths are stored in small vials, which are like test tubes, for later study. The test tube has a serial number which is fed into a computer as well. Later, scientists will observe the otoliths under a microscope. The otolith helps determine the age of the fish. When observed under a microscope, the otolith, or ear bone has rings similar to rings of a tree. The more rings, the older the fish. The age of the fish or data is then recorded in a computer spreadsheet.
Communicating – Using pictorial, written, or oral language to describe an event, action, or object.
Making Models – Making a pictorial, written or physical representation to explain an idea, event, or object.
Recording Data Writing down the results of an observation of an object or event using pictures, words, or numbers.
As data is collected, it is recorded into a computer database, then scientists create tables and graphs from information in this database.
Inferring – Making statements about an observation that provide a reasonable explanation.
Predicting – Guessing what the outcome of an event will be based on observations and, usually, prior knowledge of similar events.
Interpreting Data – Creating or using tables, graphs, or diagrams to organize and explain information.
The otoliths look like small oval “winglike” structures.
Once all the data is in the computer, scientists can analyze or figure out the answers to these questions.
What and where are the populations of hake?
In what environments do the hake best thrive?
When do they migrate?
What do they feed on?
What feeds on the hake?
Scientists use the data to infer or make a statement about the data that gives a reasonable explanation. Scientists also make predictions by guessing what the outcome might be based on the data/observations.
Marine Mammal Watch – NOAA Fisheries instructs the scientists to conduct a “marine mammal watch” prior to a fishing trawl. This is to protect the marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales, sea lions, and seals. When the nets go into the ocean, the curious sea lions want to see what’s going on and play around the nets. This can prove dangerous for the animals because if they get tangled in the net, they cannot come up for air, and being mammals, they need air. As it happened, a half a dozen sea lions were spotted around our trawl net. To protect the inquisitive animals we found another spot in which to put our net.
California sea lion
Personal Log
Everyone aboard the Miller Freeman is a team. It’s an amazing working environment. The ship runs like a well oiled machine. The crew is always so helpful and are dedicated to their work. The scientists are incredibly dedicated to their specific field and are committed to helping the world and the ocean’s biome. Everyone is so patient with all my questions. I am so grateful and honored to be part of this hake survey which is so scientifically important in determining the health of our ocean.
Animals Seen Today
California sea lions
Hake Myctophidae: lantern fish
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 16, 2009
Here is Dr. Chu using a sonar readout to determine where the hake are located.
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind speed: 20 knots
Wind direction: 358°from the north
Visibility: foggy
Temperature: 15.2°C (dry bulb); 13.4°C (wet bulb)
Science and Technology Log
We conducted several sea trawls for hake and other various fish species. First, the scientists conduct an acoustic survey using 4 different frequencies. Then the nets are lowered and drug at depth. The fun begins when we don our rubber overalls, gloves, and galoshes and count, identify and, weigh the fish. The most numerous fish in the trawls were myctophids (see photo), bioluminescent fish with some species having 2 headlights in front of their eyes to help attract prey.
Here we are sorting the catch.
HAB/ Harmful Algal Blooms Test: Throughout the day we took HAB samples, “harmful algae blooms”, which measures the toxins, domoic acid, and chlorophyll levels in the water (which correspond to the amount of plankton present). The HAB sample entails collecting sea water and putting it through a filtering process. Julia Clemons, a NOAA Oceanographer, and I conducted the HAB survey (pictured below). Fifty milliliters of sea water is measured into a graduated cylinder then filtered.
This is a type of fish called a myctophid. They are bioluminescent.
Sea water is collected at specific times during each transect or line of study. The sea water goes through a filtering process testing domoic acid and chlorophyll levels. These results will be evaluated later in the lab. One thing that strikes me is the importance of careful and accurate measurement in the lab setting. The harmful algal bloom samples are conducted 5-6 times daily and accuracy is essential for precise and definitive results. Later scientists will review and evaluate the data that was collected in the field. It is very important that the scientists use the same measurements and tools so that each experiment is done the same way. Making accurate data collection makes for accurate scientific results.
Animals Seen Today
Numerous albatross circling the stern of the ship, Viper fish, Octopi (approx. 6 inches in length), Squid (approx. 3 inches in length), and Myctophidae (see photo).
ZooplanktonHere I am observing Julia as she filters a HAB sample.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 15, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Wind Speed: 19 kts.
Wind direction: 355° north
Temperature: 15.4°C (dry bulb); 13.2°C (wet bulb)
Science and Technology Log
This picture shows the Miller Freeman in Alaskan waters. On our cruise, it’s working off the coast of California.
Our cruise was delayed for a day due to poor weather conditions and heavy seas. We began with a meeting of the scientific team which consists of 8 members all with their specific scientific knowledge and expertise. We will be conducting several types of oceanographic sampling during our cruise: 2-3 hake tows per day, weather permitting, an open net tow where fish are viewed through a camera, XBTs: Expendable Bathythermograph, HABS: Harmful Algal Bloom Sampling, and CTD: Conductivity, Temperature, and Density. The ship conducted Man Overboard and Fire drills.
The research vessel Miller Freeman set sail from Eureka, California on Wednesday, July 15th at approximately 12:30. Each person aboard is assigned a specific job and place to report on the Miller Freeman during such an event. Our assignments are posted on our stateroom door. During a Fire/Emergency Drill the signal is a 10 second blast of the general alarm and/or ship’s whistle. I am to report or muster to the Chemical Lab.
In the event of an Abandon Ship Drill, I am assigned to life raft #2 and muster on the O-1 deck, port (left) side. The Abandon Ship signal is more than 6 short blasts followed by one long blast of the general alarm and/or ship’s whistle. If a Man Overboard Drill is called, we will hear 3 prolonged blasts of the general alarm and/or ship’s whistle. The muster station is the Chemical Lab. If we personally see a person go overboard the ship there are three things to do immediately: Throw a life ring overboard, call the bridge, and keep your eyes on the person.
These things all need to be done as simultaneously as possible to assure the safety and recovery of the person who is in the sea. It is important to conduct these emergency drills so that everyone is ready and prepared in the case of an emergency event.
Personal Log
I am sharing a stateroom with Julia Clemons, an oceanographer on board the Miller Freeman. She works for NOAA Fisheries in Newport, Oregon. Her educational background includes a Bachelors’ degree in Oceanography and a masters’ degree in Geology. The scientists and crew on board are so professional and willing to teach and tell about their job. They are an amazing group of people.
New Term/Phrase/Word
Domoic acid
Questions of the Day?
What does a hake look like in person?
Animals Seen Today
5 Egrets
1 great blue heron
Numerous gulls
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA. Date: July 14, 2009
NOAA Ship Miller Freeman
Weather Data from the Bridge
No data (In port)
Science Log
After arriving at the Eureka airport I found my way to the Miller Freeman thanks to many friendly Eurekan locals. What a lovely town with many interesting sights including the dock area, downtown with its renewed turn of the century architecture. Upon arriving at the Miller Freeman I was greeted by Ensign Heather Moe who graciously gave me a tour of the ship.
There were four decks or levels to the ship which include:
Flying Bridge Deck: observations take place as well as storage
Bridge Deck: Navigation can take place from the bridge or the trawl house. The trawl house faces toward the stern of the ship and is used to control the ship during “fishing.”
Boat Deck: Officers’ & Chief Scientist’s staterooms. A stateroom is where you would sleep on a boat or ship. Your bed is called a “rack.” Most staterooms on the Miller Freeman have bunk beds. The boat deck is where the small launches/rescue boats are stored.
There is: a FRB, Fast Rescue Boat, and a small launch.
Quarterdeck/ Main Deck: Ship’s store, survey officers’ staterooms and the back deck, used for fishing. *The term quarterdeck was originally, in the early 17th century, used for a smaller deck, covering about a quarter of the vessel. It is usually reserved for officers, guests, passengers. It is also an entry point for personnel. Lower/ Galley Deck: Crew’s and scientists’ staterooms, library, two lounges, galley, where everyone eats their meals.
Hold: Gym for exercising and engineer’s storage area.
Question of the Day
Where did the word quarterdeck* originate? (see answer above)
