Category: Jacqueline Omania

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Jacqueline Omania: Sunset on the Seamount and Raising Sanctuary Stewards, July 26, 2025

a dramatic sunset photo with only the highest part of the box visible in silhouette. there is a line of gray clouds at the horizon, with fiery orange reds beyond, and and in the breaks, thin gaps of light blue aquamarine in the sky. the ocean is calm.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Jacqueline Omania

Aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker

July 14- July 24, 2025

Mission: Oceanographic and Biological Monitoring of Davidson Seamount

Geographic Area: Davidson Seamount/Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Date: July 26, 2025

Weather Data: 15°C/ 59°F in Berkeley, CA

Science and Technology Log: 

Our mission ended and I disembarked in Alameda on Thursday morning. The Lasker is now headed back to its home port of San Diego. We accomplished the seven days of transects and had two additional days of data collection in which we did several more deep CTD drops (to 2400m) and two more full days of bird and mammal observations. Our total bird and mammal observations were 1333 with 986 birds and 347 mammals. Leach’s Storm Petrel and Red-necked Phalarope were the most common birds. Fur seals and whales (both unidentified) were the most common marine mammals with Fin whales coming in third. Besides these observations, we also observed 14 ocean sun fish (Mola mola), 12 sharks and 20 pieces of floating plastic and styrofoam. It was jarring and painful to see a plastic bottle floating by so far from land. This data will be added into the long term study of the Davidson Seamount which has been happening every few years since 2010. The past missions have been in 2010, 2015, 2018, 2022 and 2024. Thus, together with our work this year, we are building a story of the life above and below the seamount.

Overall, we surveyed over 500 miles and the ship traveled twice that- 1000 miles- since it doubled back in the night, collected more CTD samples, and then transited to the next line. Overall, we did 86 CTD casts and collected 81 eDNA samples which will give us a picture of the character and life of the ocean below the surface. This picture will complement our observations above the water and allows us to know how animals interact with their environment so we can work to conserve them. Given the fact that 95% of the ocean is unexplored, it feels amazing to be part of this effort and contributing to our understanding of the Monterey Bay National Sanctuary and specifically the Davidson Seamount.

In the down time between observation efforts on the flying bridge (highest deck on the Lasker), I had the chance to interview the two early career scientists- Kylie Marozsan and Melissa Ashley. Everyday Kylie and Melissa added so much enthusiasm and positivity to our work and I was inspired by how much they have accomplished in their lives so far. I believe they are great role models to my 5th grade students and the middle and high school students I mentor.

two women lean in and smile for a photo, each holding a styrofoam bird - the bird on the left is wrinkled and shrunken compared to the smooth, larger bird on the right.
Melissa and Kylie holding ocean ‘shrinky dinks’ (projects compressed by adding them to the CTD drops)

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a woman wearing a jacket, sunglasses, a baseball cap, and gloves, sits at a laptop on the flying bridge and turns to smile for the camera. in the background, out of focus, we see two other crewmembers looking out at the ocean.
Kylie entering bird and mammal data

Early career scientist- Kylie Marozsan 

Kylie is from Pennsylvania and is a rising senior at the University of Miami majoring in marine biology/ecology and minoring in microbiology/immunology. Beyond her studies, she is president of the marine mammal rescue team; a team of volunteers who are basic stranding certified so they can assist local officials with rescuing marine mammals. She is here as a NOAA Hollings Scholar.

What is a NOAA Hollings Scholar?

It is an eight-week program where students intern in NOAA between their junior and senior year of college. You fill out an application, write an essay and send in your resume. Then you have access to possible placements. I saw a post by Chad King, research ecologist for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, interviewed and did a site visit. While I have been at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, I have worked on improving the sanctuary’s video database, assisted with microplastic field work on both the beach and the ocean, and participated in this 10 day research cruise aboard the Reuben Lasker. On July 29th, I will present my summer work at the NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

What do you enjoy about your experience?

I am enjoying the research with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The experience is well rounded with both field work and office work and being on a research crew. 

What has been a challenge?

Moving to a new place, adjusting to a new climate with my first “adult” job and living on my own have all been challenges. Yet, the people and everyone have been so welcoming and kind.

Why is this work important?

We have been given a beautiful planet; we must do what we can to protect it and we can’t protect the people we love without protecting the place we love.

When did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

Ever since the 6th grade I loved Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. Shark Week happens for a week every summer. I loved it so much I messaged the filmmaker that I wanted to do his job and he told me “live the life you dream”.

What is a book/ activity you recommend to someone who wants an ocean focused career?

I recommend the book Silent Spring by Rachael Carson. It is an eye-opening book about the chemicals in our world written by a woman. It made me more aware about products and their sustainability. Silent Spring discusses how pollution from land can accumulate and hurt all different levels of ecosystems including the ocean.

For activities- go snorkelling! You can learn a lot from what’s out there.

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Early career scientist- Melissa Ashley

a woman wearing a life jacket, a hard hat, and latex gloves leans next to the CTD apparatus to hold a plastic sample bottle (and inserted plastic bag) next to the spigot of a tall gray water sample bottle
Melissa collecting water for eDNA sampling

Melissa is from San Jose, California. She grew up going to northern California beaches and loved visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In high school, she enjoyed marine biology so much that she led a marine biology club that did dissections, presentations and river clean-ups. She graduated from the University of San Diego in environmental and ocean sciences and then received her master’s degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. She focused on ocean and coastal management. Melissa now lives in Monterey and is a California Sea Grant Fellow.

What is a California Sea Grant Fellow?

It is a one year placement in a state agency focused on marine and coastal policy. I have been with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary since February. Over the past ten years, we have seen a decline in bull and giant kelp throughout different parts of northern and central California believed to be attributed to a combination of marine heatwaves, sunflower sea star die-offs and a sea urchin population surge. Since we aren’t able to restore all of the kelp that has been lost, I am helping identify which kelp bed locations throughout the sanctuary are the most important to people who rely on them. One of the things I love most about being a fellow at a marine sanctuary is the chance to be involved in such a wide range of work. While I don’t typically work with seabirds or eDNA in the office, trips like this highlight the many different roles that go into managing a sanctuary.

Why is your work important?

My work is important because it helps bridge science and policy. Studying marine resources is incredibly important, but without strong policy, we can’t protect the resources that we study. Long term, I’d like my work to help protect the marine resources that we study, but also help the people that rely on these resources for their livelihoods. 

What do you enjoy about your work?

On this mission, I love learning about so many new marine mammals and sea birds- like the Cook’s Petrel which you can only see offshore. It’s also been so fun getting to meet and spend time with such a dedicated and passionate team on board also enjoying getting to know everyone on board.

What is a challenge?

I’d say my biggest challenge right now is just adjusting to life at sea. It’s very comfortable here on the ship, but sometimes we’re stationary for long periods of time. As someone who likes being active, I have to make an effort to find different ways to stay active – whether that’s going to the ship’s gym in the evening or having impromptu dance parties during our breaks on the flying bridge! 

When did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

Ever since elementary school, I’ve loved both art and science, and I’ve always been curious about the natural world. As I watched documentaries online, I discovered that while the ocean is beautiful and inspiring, it also faces many threats. Studying environmental and ocean sciences in college felt like a natural path. It took some time, but I eventually found the policy space. Working in policy allows me to combine science, law, and policy-making it a perfect fit where I can draw on all my different interests.

What is a book/ activity you recommend to someone who wants an ocean focused career?

A couple of my favorite books I’ve read are California Against the Sea by Rosanna Xia and Seaweed Chronicles by Susan Hand Shetterly. 

In terms of activities, try getting involved by volunteering to help with beach cleans up or starting a club of your own at school. If you’re in high school, community college courses and summer programs are a great way to explore topics of interest too. In high school, I participated in UC San Diego’s Academic Connections program where I lived on a college campus for three weeks and took a marine ecology class at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

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More Learning from the Science Team

eleven people, dressed warmly, stand for a group photo on the deck of NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker, with a pretty teal and yellow sunset in the background. Jacqueline is in the photo all the way to the right.
Last sunset with the entire science team:  Front: Amity, Mike, Holly/ Back: Rudy, Chad, Mel, Kylie, Jim, Julie, Erica and Jacqueline

During the moments in which we were ‘off effort’- not observing birds and mammals- I was able to have in-depth conversations with each member of the science team. I learned so much during these exchanges and would like to share some excerpts from our conversations. Since Chad, Mike and Holly were featured in a previous blog, I will focus on Rudy, Erica, Jim, Amity and Julie.

Erica Burton (marine ecologist) : 

My favorite movie is Incredible Mr. Limpet because he loved the ocean so much, he wished for it and fell into the ocean and became a fish. I also recommend the book Dove by Robin Graham about a boy who sails around the world.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to take courses to find out what you like and don’t like; you never know what will be of interest. Volunteer in your community to do community science with all your friends.

Jim Tietz (Point Blue Marine Scientist): 

New learning: A ‘spark bird’ which is the bird that gets you interested in birding. For me, it was the American Kestrel, which is a very beautiful bird I found in my neighborhood while in college. It led me to get a book out and learn to identify birds in my yard. It is important to get out into nature and have people show you animals and plants where you live.

I recommend The Song of the Dodo by David Quammen because it describes how scientists have approached evolutionary problems.

Rudy Wallen (Point Blue Marine Scientist):

Story: I saw my spark bird when I was five at grandfather’s farm in Wisconsin. I was walking near the barn and kicking up insects with my steps. The bird swooped by and banked -stretching its wings and flaring its tail- and I saw a deep iridescent blue black color, a midnight steely blue, and then an orange rust color on the underside. I still have a snapshot of that moment; it is frozen in time for me.

Julie Howar (Point Blue Marine Scientist): 

Advice: Go to the beach and look around. Focus on looking at little things- especially things you might think of as ‘gross’- something dead even. Look and really see what is there… on a rock, or under a rock. Also when an opportunity presents itself, take it if you can. (Julie speaks from experience as she travelled to Antarctica on the Polar Duke as part of a volunteer research team to study krill in 1994.)

Amity Wood (Education and Outreach Coordinator for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary):

Advice: Explore nature! Get out to the tidepools, an estuary, a beach, and only take binoculars or a magnifying glass. Bird watch, take photos, and draw or paint what you see! It’s amazing what you’ll become excited about from opening your mind and senses to your natural surroundings. Humans are a part of nature and we should make connections daily.

Personal Log:

a dramatic sunset photo with only the highest part of the box visible in silhouette. there is a line of gray clouds at the horizon, with fiery orange reds beyond, and and in the breaks, thin gaps of light blue aquamarine in the sky. the ocean is calm.
Last sunset over the Pacific Ocean. View from the bow of Reuben Lasker.

In these 10 days at sea, crossing 1000 miles of ocean, I spent days on end with no ship or land in sight. I was outdoors, invigorated by the fresh breeze, from early morning to after sunset. From the flying bridge, I looked out in full circle for miles into the horizon and watched the waters change as the skies changed – from cobalt to teal to silver and from glassy to rippled to white capped. With each rock and sway, the ocean spoke to us with her breath and reminded us that she is the one who sustains us.

As the project progressed, I learned that science takes time and patience. I honed my observation skills as I began to master my binoculars. With practice, I changed from my first days of missing every sighting, to being able to spot whale spouts on the horizon, a shark fin drifting by in the distance and to identifying birds- such as storm petrels and Red-necked Phalaropes- as they crossed our bow. As my patience grew, I became accustomed to the long days of observation and eagerly awaited each experience with the hope of new discoveries. Yet, we had days where there rarely was a bird or mammal in sight. We also had long waits- up to 1 hour 45 minutes- for the CTD rosette to descend and return from a 2400m drop. However, in these times, each scientist had so much to share to keep up the positive spirit. In the wet lab, Erica had a box of amusing finger fidgets, long lasting candies and a waterproof card game. On the flying bridge, people shared stories, favorite songs (click the link to listen), jokes and a range of crunchy snacks. There was always joy and laughter. 

The story of science is also a story of the people who make it happen. We were 36 people alone on the ocean, on the Reuben Lasker, doing science as a team. The science couldn’t happen without the ship crew; our 11 member science team was supported by 25 crew. Each person aboard was unique and yet everyone was bound together by a desire to further understand our ocean and to protect it. For me, since I too love the ocean and science, being part of such a community was both fulfilling and awe-inspiring. I leave with a deep sense of hope that our work will have a lasting impact for the good of the ocean.

Now my mission continues at home, as I work to pass on this curiosity and joy of exploration to the next generation of sanctuary stewards. As my students and I study the 50 states (a 5th grade standard), we will also learn about the 18 national marine sanctuaries with a focus on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the work of this cruise. We will identify, study and monitor birds (‘being on effort’) right where we are- on our school grounds. Thus, I hope to empower my students as explorers of the natural world with the same joy and wonder I have experienced.

Did you know?

a brown and white bird, with a bit of red at the neck, flies low over very smooth water
Red-necked Phalarope in front of the bow. Photo Credit: Jim Tietz

Red-necked Phalaropes breed in the Arctic tundra and winter at sea. They are only seven inches long. The females are brightly colored and fight fiercely over males. Yet, once they lay their eggs, they lose interest and the males incubate and raise the young. Meanwhile, the females seek out new males and lay a new clutch. On our cruise, the Red-necked Phalaropes and other birds were attracted to the night lights of the ship. After this was discovered, the ship turned its outside lights off at night to protect the birds.

a close-up professional image of a bird floating on the water. the red neck is very visible in this view.
Red-necked Phalarope. Photo Credit: eBird

Final Thanks …

I’d like to thank the Teacher at Sea program and specifically Emily Susko for offering me this special experience in my local Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I am also grateful to Chad King and the entire science team for allowing me to learn, sample, observe, appreciate and wonder with them. And finally, thank you to the entire crew of Reuben Lasker that transported us safely to the Davidson Seamount and back.

Jacqueline, in her Teacher at Sea shirt and hat, poses for a photo on the dock in front of NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker. We can see the NOAA logo, the letters N O A A, and the hull number R 228 painted on the hull.
Back on land in front of Reuben Lasker
group photo of Jacqueline, wearing her Teacher at Sea hat and t-shirt, with seven NOAA Corps Officers in their blue uniforms. this photo was taken on the flying bridge overlooking the bow. the sky is cloudy.
With the NOAA Corps Officers
view of a bulletin board in a glass case displaying a collage of photos. nautical maps paper the background; on top are the words OUR CREW and then a variety of many photos, some articles, some labels celebrating all the people on the ship.
The crew of the Reuben Lasker
a group selfie of seven people - Jacqueline in the middle - dressed warmly on an outer deck; a beautiful sunset is visible behind them. This photo appears in a frame with the words: "Our last BEAUTIFUL sunset on the Davidson Seamount!" and "It's been a fantastic research cruise with Monterey Bay NMS & Point Blue Conservation Science."
Some of the science crew on the last sunset

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Jacqueline Omania: Guadalupe Fur Seals and the Lasker’s Dream Team, July 22, 2025

Jacqueline, wearing her Teacher at Sea shirt and hat, poses in a line with four female NOAA Corps officers in blue uniforms against a rail of the flying bridge. the sky is cloudy and the sea is calm and blue-gray.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Jacqueline Omania

Aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker

July 14- July 24, 2025

Mission: Oceanographic and Biological Monitoring of Davidson Seamount

Geographic Area: Davidson Seamount/Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Date: July 22, 2025

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 35° 45.51’ N

Longitude: 122° 36.14’ W

Wind Speed: 18 knots

Wave Height: 3’

Air Temperature: 15.6°C/60°F

Sky: Overcast

Science and Technology Log: 

We have now finished our planned transects and are using our two additional days at sea to repeat two of the transect lines. This will allow us to see changes along the lines with observations 5 days apart. Our deep drops for eDNA (the genetic material shed by organisms in the water) will be at 2400m.

I have had a chance to help with the collection of samples of eDNA. The process begins right after the CTD rosette is lifted to the deck. Water is collected from the specific Niskin bottle that was filled at the various depths- either surface (0 m.), 500 m., 1000 m. or 2400 m. Next, the water samples are taken to the wet lab, where under laboratory conditions, they are filtered to collect eDNA which is then stored for future processing by MBARI.

I loved having a chance to participate in collecting the sample. Working with the equipment reminded me a lot of the joy I had in my college chemistry classes and it felt amazing to be making a contribution to science that will help understand this very special environment of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea beanie, life vest, and blue latex gloves, smiles for the camera as she bends to hold a plastic sample bottle containing a plastic bag at the spigot of one of the water sampling bottles on the rosette
Collecting water for eDNA sampling from the CTD rosette
Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea beanie, life vest, and blue latex gloves, smiles as she holds up a collected water sample in its container. we can see gray sky and gray seas behind her, with the faint suggestion of mountains at the horizon
Completed water collection
Jacqueline, wearing her Teacher at Sea beanie and shirt, stands at a workbench with a man in a plaid shirt and blue gloves. Jacqueline grasps a handful of tubing or pipettes - it is hard to see - and Chad may be reaching to take one from her hand.
Setting up filtration with Chad King
Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea beanie and t-shirt and blue latex gloves, uses two hands to attach a filter to a thin tube connected to a device on the metal table in front of her.
Attaching filter to collect eDNA
Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea t shirt and latex gloves, stands at a workbench in the wet lab. She holds a small sample vial in her left and uses her right to pipette a sample. She takes a break from her efforts to smile for the camera.
Preserving eDNA
close up view of racks of sample bottles of two different sizes (the larger ones are 50 millileters) on a work surface.
eDNA ready for testing by MBARI

I have also been learning more about the ocean by looking at the CTD (water conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth) profiles with the Reuben Lasker survey technicians, CC and Jaclyn. The survey technicians observe and record the data as the rosette descends. They also monitor how deep the rosette descends based on what they see on the sonar data, which is showing the overall distance to seamount. At the targeted depths and with a press of a mouse button, they close the Niskin bottle caps to capture water for eDNA sampling.

photo of a computer screen depicting a graph with multiple lines. Depth is shown on the y-axis. Multiple x-axes correspond to Flourescence (green line), temperature (red line), oxygen (blue line.) beneath the computer monitor are decorated foam shapes. there is a NOAA sticker on the top left of the monitor.
CTD Data Monitoring

The data screens in the lab show how oxygen, temperature, salinity and chlorophyll change as we descend. At the surface the water temperature is 15°C (59°F) while at 1000m it is 3.5°C (38.3°F) and at 2400m it is 1.9°C (35.4 °F). Salinity at the surface is 33.25ppt, at 1000m it is 34.4ppt and at 2400m it is 34.65 ppt. Oxygen is 0.6 ml/L at the surface and is at its lowest 0.2 ml/L between 600 – 800m. The oxygen rises again as you go deeper than 800m and at 2400 it’s more than 2.0 ml/L. Chlorophyll is at its maximum at 43 m and is an indicator of the amount of phytoplankton in the upper layer of the ocean. Phytoplankton (microscopic algae) is the base of most food webs in the ocean. Thus, this data helps us better understand the ecosystem of the deep ocean.

portrait photo of a woman in a gray t-shirt, holding up a foam circle colored to look like the NOAA Logo
Survey Technician Jaclyn Mazzella
portrait photo of a woman in a black sweatshirt with a NOAA logo on it and a radio intercom. she holds up a foam mannequin head, decorated to have a face and the words Davidson Seamount.
Survey Technician Cassandra Dahl

Our seabird and marine mammal counts are going well, though we had the slowest day on Monday with only 47 animal sightings (11 mammals and 36 birds). Yet, all together for the week (with the 994 sightings shared in the last post), we had a total of 1,041 animal sightings for the 500 miles of survey.

As we repeated the survey line (16W) today (Tuesday), we had an exciting sighting of a pod of seven orcas! I have never seen orcas in California. I’ve also become far more skilled at sighting whale blows on the horizon and spotting sharks from the two black triangles peeking out of the water as they glide by. The various types of seabirds – like Leach’s Storm Petrels and Red-necked Phalaropes- are now second nature to me. Some of the most exciting moments have been finding the waving flippers of Guadalupe fur seals as they drift by clinging to a branch of kelp.

So far, I have probably put in 50 hours of observation time and I have been delighted in every moment of it. It is a bit like an easter egg hunt in the ocean. I have learned so much thanks to the support of the scientists who always think of me when any special sighting arises. Everyone makes the extra effort to make sure I have a chance to see it too. 

the back of a fin whale - including its tiny dorsal fin - is visible above the otherwise calm surface of a gray ocean
Fin Whale Sighting! Photo Credit: Jim Tietz

Personal Log

I have been savoring the days at sea and the ever changing colors of the ocean from the deepest blue to silvery greys. I spend most of my days outdoors on the flying bridge perfecting my observation skills. Our shifts are complemented with delicious meals, after dinner card games and evenings in the gym. Life couldn’t be better and it is a real privilege to be part of this experience. Beside participating in science, I have been very busy interviewing people to better understand how everyone works together to make the mission successful. I’d like to share the stories of some of the people I have met.

NOAA Corps and the Crew: The Team at Sea that Makes Science Possible

Besides the 11 of us on the science team, we have the team that runs the ship composed of seven NOAA Corps officers and 18 crew. The crew includes survey technicians, electronics technicians, engineers, deckhands and stewards. NOAA Corps is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. They are commissioned officers who support NOAA’s scientific and navigational missions by operating NOAA ships and aircraft. The Commanding Officer of the Lasker, CDR Aaron Maggied, shared that some NOAA Corps officers fly planes as hurricane hunters to collect data for forecasting hurricanes. Others, like himself, sail ships to make sure our ocean and its inhabitants are studied so that we can better understand and responsibly manage our natural resources, like our current sanctuary project. He also mentioned that early in his career he was called on to help in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response effort in 2010. The officers have all been very supportive of having a teacher on board and readily answer any questions about their work.

a group photo of seven NOAA Corps officers (four women, three men) in blue uniforms along a railing on the flying bridge. the sky is cloudy and the ocean is calm, blue gray.
NOAA Corps
Jacqueline, wearing her Teacher at Sea shirt and hat, poses in a line with four female NOAA Corps officers in blue uniforms against a rail of the flying bridge. the sky is cloudy and the sea is calm and blue-gray.
Women of NOAA Corps

Lt Cdr. Kelli-Ann Bliss Interview

portrait photo of a woman in a blue NOAA Corps uniform on the flying bridge, with the ocean visible in the background
LCDR Kelli-Ann Bliss

Kell was the first officer I met on the ship. She welcomed me at the entrance to Coast Guard Island in Alameda and escorted me to the ship, kindly carrying my heavy duffle on her shoulders. 

What is your job?

On Reuben Lasker, I am the XO, which stands for Executive Officer, and second in command. I have a background in science, like all NOAA Corps officers, and I support the scientists on the ship during sea assignments, and in different capacities when on land assignments. I work on the bridge and sail the ship safely to help the scientists get the data they need. This work is important because we need to understand how our planet works so we can survive as a species. I also mentor the Junior Officers (JOOD) as they work toward being Officers of the Deck (OOD). I also manage the crew details (payroll, vacation, staffing, approving  purchasing, etc.) like an administrative assistant.

How did you come to NOAA?

I grew up in Rhode Island and spent summers sailing with my family all over New England. I went to Maine Maritime Academy and earned a degree in marine science. I worked in a lab on Cape Cod doing water testing after college. My college classmates encouraged me to apply for NOAA.

I have been in the NOAA Corps for 16 years and have been on 8 different NOAA ships. I have also served on various land assignments — including in Antarctica for 13 months. In Antarctica, I was half of a team with a NOAA technician. We were running experiments and collecting samples on behalf of scientists in their home locations. While staying over the winter, I enjoyed the gorgeous auroras (natural light displays in the sky) and the flat, snowy landscape of Antarctica. Currently I am stationed in Louisiana and awaiting the completion of the newest NOAA ship to the fleet, the NOAA Ship Oceanographer, where I will also serve as XO. My tasks will be much the same as here on Reuben Lasker, but additionally, I will hire the new crew and be part of the team that gets her ready for scientific missions. 

What do you love about your job?

I love being at sea. You are in a new place every day and it is gorgeous. There is always something new to learn either through presentations, different weather conditions, or a new tool or technology on the ship.

What is your greatest challenge?

As you go up in the ranks, there is a lot of paperwork, which tends to mean a lot of sitting – but there’s always the ability to go up and stand a watch on the bridge to break it up. I also work to keep harmony and help to set a positive culture with the team which starts at the top.

When did you know you wanted to have an ocean focused career?

In middle school in Coventry, Rhode Island, I joined the shell club and learned all about shells and their history. For example, the ancient Romans boiled the murex shell and infused the purple color into fabric. Once a month, the club would travel to Boston and connect with the Malacological Club at Harvard and I would be exposed to even more people who were passionate about shells. I knew that I wanted to study science. For college, my family wanted me close by so I chose Maine Maritime Academy, this allowed me to merge my interests in science and being on the water.

What do you recommend to students who are interested in an ocean focused career?

Stay curious and ask questions. There are many ways to get into the field and people will share their knowledge. Always keep learning.

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Interview of JOOD Camille Cube (Junior Officer of the Deck)

I met Camille Cube on my first visit to the bridge. I was so impressed by the calm and confident way she was steering the ship. In conversation, we were happy to discover that we both had Filipino roots. Camille kindly agreed to be interviewed.

portrait photo of a woman in a blue NOAA Corps uniform standing on the bridge
ENS Camille Cube

What is your job/position?

I am the newest officer. My rank is Ensign and my position is called JOOD (Junior Officer of the Deck). I am learning to safely drive the ship and ensure everyone’s safety onboard. To steer the ship, I use navigational charts, radar, look out the windows, and other tools.

How did you come to NOAA? 

I grew up in Northern Virginia. Then, I went to the University of Washington and majored in Environmental Science. I love the environment of both land and sea. During college, I did many internships. Two were with NOAA Fisheries. I also studied at Friday Harbor Labs on San Juan Island; in this 11 week residential program, I learned marine biology, went tidepooling and saw orcas. I also spent three months as an intern in Cambridge, England with the International Whaling Commission. After graduating from college, I worked for NOAA Fisheries in Sacramento (CA) as a natural resource and management specialist. I joined the NOAA Corps for a more hands-on experience. I love how the NOAA Corps changes jobs every few years. I will be on Reuben Lasker for two years; three months have passed so far.

How does the NOAA Corps work?

To apply, you fill out an application online, go to an interview and pass medical processing. If you are chosen, you begin three months of training at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, alongside US Coast Guard officer candidates. This training has hands-on learning about navigation, the parts of a ship, safety, CPR, and fire fighting alongside classroom learning. I learned leadership and public speaking skills in my training and the experience has built my self-confidence. You begin your service as a junior officer and after 120 days of sailing, completing a workbook and proving that you can safely drive the ship, you become OOD (Officer of the Deck) qualified, which means you can drive the ship without supervision.

What is your work day like?

My watch, which is when I am driving the ship, begins at 11:15 p.m. and goes to 3:30 a.m. From 3:30 to 7:00 a.m., I do administrative work and eat breakfast. Sometimes, I exercise in the ship’s gym; our requirement is to work out 180 minutes a week. My second watch is from 7:15 to 11:30 a.m. After that, I am off duty, and I read, sleep or crochet. Right now I am making a purse that looks like a sheep.

What do you love about your job?

I love helping make science happen. NOAA’s work in science is really important. Often we work on research on fish populations and fish are very important for the economy and ecosystem. Collecting weather data is also important for weather forecasters. I love being able to do cool things on the ocean that I was never able to do in the office like steer the ship and see lots of wildlife. I also love the community in NOAA; we support each other, especially the other officers and the crew because we live and work so close together. A shout out to the stewards (ship’s cooks) for making Filipino food that reminds me of my family.

What is your greatest challenge?

Being away from home for long periods of time is a challenge. I live in San Diego now. Even though my husband visits me when we are in port, I have only been able to see my cat Mio once this year.

What was your favorite book in elementary school?

I was obsessed with Percy Jackson and wanted to be a demigod of Poseidon. I wished for water powers!

What do you recommend to students who are interested in an ocean focused career?

If you are near the ocean, get out and explore it in a hands-on way like tidepooling. If you are not near the ocean, watch documentaries and keep learning about the ocean. If you can, join a marine biology club.

I am excited to share information about career opportunities with NOAA with my students and family. I had never heard of this service before and now after experiencing the work of the NOAA Corps, I believe it is a wonderful opportunity. I also learned about another new to me career-the careers of wage mariners. It takes many essential skilled workers to sail these ships that make science happen.

————————————–

Interview of Nick Sampson (Oiler)

I had a chance to interview Nick Sampson. He is a mariner and specifically works as an Oiler. We met in the mess hall (dining room) as he is outgoing and very curious about all the science we are doing on our mission. He also kindly took us on a tour of the engine room with fellow mariner Joe Johnston.

portrait photo of a man in a red shirt and a beanie, smiling.
Oiler Nick Sampson

Nick Sampson is from Jacksonville Florida. He has a 5 year old daughter and his wife is expecting another child soon.

What is your job?

I am an Oiler on the ship which means I check the temperature gauges and maintain the ship. I keep the ship running, secure and dependable. 

What do you love about your job?

I love that I am doing something positive. I enjoy people–I am a people person and I love to learn from others. You can see the world with this job, make good money and learn a lot. I have been to Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Japan, South Korea, Germany and recently I spent 43 days in Alaska.

What is a challenge in your job?

Learning more about the machinery is a challenge but I am eager to learn. The job is good if you are single, but if you have kids it is difficult to be away. It is still a good job for supporting a family.

How did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

My older brother is a mariner so I decided to do the same. I graduated from Blue Water Maritime School in Florida and have been working on ships for the last 7 years.

What are your words of advice?

Give it a try! Invest in yourself and you can learn a lot.

The Most Essential Crew: The Stewards

A final shout out- as Camille says- has to go to the stewards. From the first day, the food has been AMAZING!!! The smells of the cooking waft all the way up to the flying bridge. Our meals are at 7 am, 11 am, and 5 pm. Since the crew and scientist work a range of shifts, including the night shift, there is always a wide array of assorted snacks as well as easy to prepare meals like fancy ramen bowls. There are lots of organic choices, a fruit salad bar at breakfast, and a green salad bar at lunch. I have been enjoying the organic grassfed milk in my tea every morning.

The stewards, Arnold Dones and Judeni De Los Reyes, create food with great care and an element of magic. Since both have Filipino roots, they love to make some of the traditional foods like adobo and pancit (my favorite Filipino food). But they also love to test out new recipes. I am still thinking about the cabbage rolls from the first day. They tasted like a special grandmother’s recipe; Arnold shares that he researches recipes and gives them a try. Before working for NOAA, he was a cook for the Navy for 10 years.

Arnold loves his job on Lasker and takes great pride in carefully planning the menu even up to a year in advance. This way he can plan to have the right equipment and the right cooking time. Arnold “loves to cook everything” and likes to explore new foods. “Good food makes everyone function well both in terms of energy and morale. It makes people happy and I love to make everyone happy by giving them the best quality food and snacks.” 

portrait photo of two men in the galley (kitchen); both wear baseball caps; the man on the right wears an apron
Arnold Dones (Chief Steward) and Judeni Delos Reyes (Steward)
a spread of food on a table: toasts, radishes, tomatoes, basil, cilantro, avocados, eggs, meat, hummus
Breakfast: Avocado Toast Bar
view of a food service bar with three dishes - stuffed tomatoes, vegetables, some sort of vegetable soup
Lunch: Couscous Stuffed Tomatoes
salad bar with many fixings
Salad Bar
close-up view of a plate of food, including short thin noodles
Dinner with Pancit (Filipino Noodles)
six sheets of paper (breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two days) each hanging from a clip on a magnet board. the menus contain nutritional info for the selections.
Menus
view of the inside of a refrigerator: milk, yogurt, fruit, etc.
Well Stocked Fridge
view down into a chest freezer that contains many selections of individual serving sized ice cream treats
Ice Cream Anytime

Did You Know? 

a fur seal's head and tail flipper are visible above the waters surface; it is surrounded by bull kelp floating or poking up from underneath
Guadalupe Fur Seal Sighting. Photo Credit: Jim Tietz

Guadalupe Fur seals are members of the “eared fur seal” family. They breed on Guadalupe Island (off the coast of Mexico) and on the Channel Islands. They have been making a comeback since they were once hunted to near extinction in the 1700’s and 1800’s. They are now considered “threatened” on the Endangered Species list and research and conservation is helping their recovery. They feed on squid and small fish mostly at night. They dive from an average of 65’ to a maximum of 250’. They rest with their heads under water and their flippers poking out above water as pictured below. On this mission, we have been seeing both Northern Fur Seals and Guadalupe Fur Seals.

illustration of a Guadalupe fur seal
Guadalupe fur seal. Image credit: NOAA Fisheries

Please stay tuned for my final blog from shore…

Posted on

Jacqueline Omania: Shrinky Dinks and Black-footed Albatrosses, July 20, 2025

Erica, Chad, and Jacqueline stand around one end of a wooden table in the wet lab and smile for a photo. Erica wears a teal sweatshirt with a small NOAA logo; Chad's sweater sports a National Marine Sanctuaries logo; Jacqueline wears her Teacher at Sea t-shirt and beanie. On the table are notebooks, datasheets, a walkie talkie.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Jacqueline Omania

Aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker

July 14- July 24, 2025

Mission: Oceanographic and Biological Monitoring of Davidson Seamount

Geographic Area: Davidson Seamount/Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Date: July 20, 2025

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 35° 36.65’ N

Longitude: 122° 47.97’ W

Wind Speed: 13 knots

Wave Height: 4-5’

Air Temperature: 15.3C/59F

Sky:  Overcast

Science and Technology Log: 

We have finished five transects with two left to go. Today (Saturday 7/19) we had the deepest drop to 2000 meters and collected eDNA samples for future processing by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). The work with eDNA (DNA shed from animals that have been in the area in the last 24-48 hours) compliments the first hand observations that the scientists on the deck are making. These samples are sent to MBARI and will be processed in 1-2 years. The time does seem long, yet the greatest challenge is getting the samples in the first place. So we are doing the essential work towards developing a deeper understanding of species distribution and how seamounts may be influencing the ocean’s biodiversity.

Once the CTD measurements and water sample collection is done at a station location, the ship moves again to the next CTD location on the transect. While the ship is moving along the transect, the seabird and mammal scientists are at work on the flying bridge (top deck of the ship) counting species seen within the observation zone (as detailed in previous post). So far, in five days of research, we have the following results.

  1. Tuesday: 331 observations- 284 seabirds, 47 mammals
  2. Wednesday: 303 observations- 274 seabirds (107 Red-necked Phalaropes), 29 mammals (19 fur seals, 6 whales)
  3. Thursday: 173 observations- 120 seabirds (mostly Red-necked Phalaropes, storm petrels and Ashy Storm Petrels), 53 mammals (mostly fur seals, whales and dolphins)
  4. Friday: 136 observations- 92 seabirds (mostly Leach’s Storm Petrels), 44 mammals
  5. Saturday: 74 observations- 40 seabirds, 34 mammals (mostly whales)

Our effort is adding up and we now have 994 observations! The team is happy as we have been having good weather and calm seas to allow for good observational data collection.

Alongside the research that we are working on, we are also having some fun with ‘ocean shrinky dinks’. As you descend in the ocean, the pressure changes, increasing one atmosphere (14.7 pounds/ sq. inch) for every 10 meters below sea level. Animals adapt in many ways to this changing pressure; whales collapse their lungs when they dive deep and rely on the oxygen in their blood and muscles during this time. We can see the results of this change if we send a material like styrofoam down; the pressure squeezes the air out and the item shrinks. The deeper the object goes, the more the air is squeezed out and the smaller it gets.

We decorated styrofoam that are in the shape of cones, bears and birds – thanks to marine ecologist Erica Burton who brought all the materials and decorating pens. We then attached these items in laundry bags to the CTD rosette on deeper drops of 1620m, 1710m and 2000m (the blue dots on the transect map shared in the last post). Once we pulled up the CTD rosette–voila! our ‘shrinky dinks’ were ready, at a fraction of the original size! I am very excited to share these tangible projects with my students as they learn about the ocean.

a styrofoam cone photographed next to a cardboard ruler that measures 15 centimeters long. the cone is a little taller than the ruler. it has been decorated with marker and now features a purple octopus and the words Davidson Seamount.
Styrofoam cone before being sent down
a styrofoam cone photographed next to a cardboard ruler that measures 15 centimeters long. the cone is wrinkled and it stretches about 10 centimeters high. it has been decorated with marker and now features a purple octopus and the words Davidson Seamount.
Styrofoam cone after being down 1710 meters below sea level
two styrofoam bears seated next to a cardboard ruler. one bear, plain white and smooth, is about 7 centimeters tall, and the other, decorated with marker, is wrinkled and only 5 centimeters high.
Styrofoam bears before and after 1620 meters immersion
close up view of two wrinkly styrofoam hearts. the left one is blue and says "Love So Deep." the right heart is a sunset over a wave with the words "Sunk 2000 meters"
Styrofoam hearts by Cassandra Dahl, survey tech after 2000 meters immersion.

Meet the Science Team!

I would like to introduce the team behind all this amazing science. Our chief scientist is Chad King, a research ecologist from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), also known for being the chief scientist on the 2018-2020 EV Nautilus expeditions with Ocean Exploration Trust that discovered the octopus garden along the flanks of Davidson Seamount at 3200 meters deep. A fun fact is that back in 2019, my class scored a virtual interaction with the Nautilus as it explored the deep ocean, with Chad as our ship-to-shore connection. Chad answered many of my students’ questions about studying the deep sea while actually on board the Nautilus. I never imagined that one day I would be able to join him on a research mission!

Assisting Chad with the CTD and eDNA work in the wet lab is Erica Burton, also a research ecologist from MBNMS. Erica specializes in ichthyology (study of fish), but has co-authored many research papers and the Davidson Seamount Taxonomic Guide, so she is known as a species expert. I am grateful to both of them for taking the time to explain the details of their work with me and for teaching me how to do eDNA sampling.

Erica, Chad, and Jacqueline stand around one end of a wooden table in the wet lab and smile for a photo. Erica wears a teal sweatshirt with a small NOAA logo; Chad's sweater sports a National Marine Sanctuaries logo; Jacqueline wears her Teacher at Sea t-shirt and beanie. On the table are notebooks, datasheets, a walkie talkie.
Erica Burton (research ecologist), Chad King (chief scientist) and myself in the wet lab.
Chad stands at a wooden table in the wet lab, a tablet on the table in front of him. He has his right hand pulled into his jacket sleeve as he grasps a miniature silicone (maybe) hand which he is using to write on, or pretend to write on, the tablet.
Chad King (chief scientist) entering data in the wet lab.

Interview with Chad King:

Chad is a research ecologist with MBNMS who has a background in kelp forest ecology, GIS and he is an expedition diver and diver trainer with NOAA. He has been working with NOAA since 2008 and has been involved in various projects with the sanctuary including microplastic monitoring. He lives in Gilroy with his wife and two children Maya and Noah. Maya is studying at UC Berkeley and Noah is in high school.

Why is your work important?

Regular research, with our partners, is important for the sanctuary because we study priority or new issues such as kelp loss and microplastics, but we are also working on the ongoing characterization and exploration of the sanctuary. Exploration is so valuable because you don’t know what you will find.

What do you enjoy about your work? What is a challenge?

I enjoy the variety of work- I get to be a “jack of all trades”- and do different work week to week. It is fresh and engaging and I am exposed to more subjects related to the sanctuary. A challenge is having enough time to analyze the data since I am moving from project to project.

When did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

As a child I feared the ocean, and over the years I learned that the best way to overcome fear was with knowledge. I watched a lot of ocean documentaries by Jacques Cousteau and visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium. By middle school, I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist. After high school, I went to UC Santa Cruz and majored in marine biology. After trying out working in real estate for 4 years, I returned to marine biology for a master’s degree from Moss Landing Marine Lab.

What book/activity do you recommend to a young person interested in an ocean focused career?

Bully for Brontosaurus: Reflections in Natural History is an engaging book that focuses on science and critical thinking skills. Reading it turned me on to science. I also recommend trying snorkeling as early as you can. Also, if it is possible, become a certified SCUBA diver. You can do so as early as age 10.

The Bird and Mammal Team

While Erica and Chad work in the wet lab, on the flying bridge are the bird and mammal specialists from Point Blue Conservation Science. Point Blue is a group of  “160 scientists who work to reduce the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental threats while developing nature-based solutions to benefit both wildlife and people.”

On our mission we have biologists Jim Tietz, Rudy Wallen, Julie Howar and Mike Johns from Point Blue. We also have Holly Lohuis, a marine life naturalist from Island Packers; Melissa Ashley, a CA Sea Grant Fellow; and NOAA Hollings Scholar Kylie Marozsan.

A group photo of three men and three women standing in a line under the shade of an upper deck of NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker. All but one of them have a pair of binoculars hanging around their necks.
Bird and Mammal Team: Kylie Marozsan, Julie Howar, Mike Johns, Rudy Wallen, Holly Lohuis, and Jim Tietz on the flying bridge.
portrait photo of a woman in a jacket and a Point Blue Conservation Science beanie, wearing binoculars around her neck, standing near the railing of the ship. The sky is cloudy and gray; the sea is gray as well.
Julie Howar
Point Blue Marine Scientist
portrait photo of a man in a sweatshirt, jacket, beanie, and cutoff gloves, seated in an observer's chair near the rail of an upper deck. a pair of binoculars, and a pair of sunglasses, hang around his neck. he is not quite smiling for the camera so much as giving it a side-eye
Rudy Wallen
Point Blue Marine Scientist
portrait photo of a man in a warm jacket and a baseball cap with a whale on it; he's under the shade cover of an outer deck
Jim Tietz
Point Blue Marine Scientist
portrait photo of a man wearing a warm coat seated on an observing chair next to the ship's railing. he's grasping binoculars in both hands, but holding them down from his face so he can smile for the camera.
Mike Johns, Point Blue Marine Scientist

Interview with Marine Ecologist Mike Johns

Mike Johns is a senior marine ecologist on our team. He works for Point Blue Conservation Science which is based in Petaluma. His focus is seabird studies and the Farallon Islands. He lives in Tacoma, Washington with his husband and his dog Noosa.

Why is your work important?

My work brings an understanding of how seabirds and the ecosystem depend on one another and respond to changes in our planet. I’m documenting how our actions impact the organisms we share our planet with.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I enjoy collecting data in the field through hands-on studies of birds, and once back at the office, revealing hidden patterns with long term data sets and creating engaging graphics – like animations of plots – that the general public can learn from.

What is a challenge?

Navigating the politics of work and staying funded are challenges. Working remotely is hard because you have no friends to bounce ideas off of.

When did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

I’ve always loved camping in the Sierra Nevada as a kid, and surfing – once I discovered the ocean. Right after high school, at the age of 18, I worked as a deck hand on a whale watching boat in Monterey. The whales were cool, but I was captivated by the sea birds and how they can be the tiny size of a sparrow and spend their whole life at sea.

What was your path to becoming a marine ecologist ?

I attended CSU Monterey Bay and majored in environmental science. After graduating, in the summer of 2012- from March to August- I did the Farallon Seabird Internship. I lived in an 1850’s lighthouse keeper’s house with 4-8 others and was immersed in wildlife and the ocean. Whenever you went outside the Western Gulls were attacking us! On the Farallones, I learned about observation, banding and other elements of field research. This experience gave me the background to get other projects. I have worked on various sea bird projects in the Bering Sea (Alaska), Hawaii and Tasmania.

What books and activities do you recommend to someone who is interested in an ocean focused career?

Carl Safina has written many books on the ocean. I recommend Song for the Blue Ocean and Eye of the Albatross. For activities, I recommend tidepooling, bird and whale watching and …. looking at a droplet of water under a microscope.

portrait photo of a woman wearing a bright orange coat and a knit hat that says Antarctica; she gazes out of frame; we can see the rail and the ocean behind her
Holly Lohuis, Island Packers Naturalist

Interview with Naturalist Holly Lohuis

Holly is a naturalist with Island Packers, the boat concession to Channel Islands National Park and marine educator with the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. She also is the co-director of the newly designated Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area and has been an expedition diver and marine biologist with Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of Jacques Cousteau) and his marine conservation organization, Ocean Futures Society since 2002. She lives in Carpinteria with her partner Chuck and son, Gavin.

Why is your work important?

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet and contains over 90% of the living space. Yet, there are many unknowns about the ocean, especially in the deep sea and the rich diversity of marine life around seamounts. That’s why long-term monitoring by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is vital for informing decisions about preserving these unique ecosystems.

What do you enjoy about your work here at Davidson Seamount?

I love being part of a team where the crew and scientists all share a deep passion for ocean conservation. Every day, I’m learning something new—especially about seabird species—thanks to the expertise of our seabird biologists. 

What is a challenge?

It is a challenge to be away from home but my work for decades has taken me away from home, traveling around the world with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his expedition team. But I still miss Chuck, Gavin, my friends, family and my cat Avalon. 

When did you know you wanted an ocean focused career?

In 5th grade, my teacher Ms. Brown asked us to do a report on who we wanted to be when we grew up. I chose Sylvia Earle because I was fascinated by her deep-sea dives and ocean exploration. I also loved watching the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau and like many people, I dreamed of being a silver suited diver on Cousteau’s team. Growing up landlocked in Sacramento, I knew I’d eventually want to live by the ocean.

What was your path to becoming a naturalist?

I went to UC Santa Barbara and majored in aquatic biology. In my last year of college, I interned at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center in Santa Barbara. After graduating, I worked at a local dive center in Santa Barbara and then with Island Packers. I also connected with Jean-Michel Cousteau and was hired as a diver and marine biologist at his small eco-resort in Fiji. My experiences both aboard Island Packers’ boats and while working in Fiji deepened my passion for educating others about the incredible diversity and delicate nature of both kelp forests and coral reefs, and how each of us can make a meaningful difference in protecting our ocean.

What books and activities and advice do you have to someone who is interested in an ocean focused career? 

I recommend any books by Dr. Sylvia Earle like The World is Blue and Sea Change. I also love books by Carl Safina, Susan Casey and Cullum Roberts.

Take advantage of internship opportunities. Volunteer for local marine or coastal organizations and meet like-minded people who can be mentors and help with job opportunities.

Getting scuba certified can open up many opportunities in marine science and conservation work.

Go whale watching! Follow your curiosity. Learn the science. Spend time in, on, and near the ocean. And most of all—share what you love with others. Ocean careers need storytellers, scientists, educators, and advocates working together.  

Personal Log:

I am getting into my routine of waking up and joining the observation crew on the flying bridge. It is such a beautiful gift to be out on the Pacific learning to do bird and mammal observations. I am gaining observation skills and have been seeing so many more animals. I know now how to spot groups of whales far out on the horizon. I have observed minke and blue whales and marveled as Laysan Albatross and Black-footed Albatrosses gently glide over the surface of the water. I am so happy to learn about these types of albatrosses in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. My students and I have been studying albatrosses in the context of Antarctic animals and now I have the knowledge to teach about these local species.

The animal observations on the flying bridge last approximately 45 minutes to one hour and then there is a break during CTD rosette deployment stops. Some scientists go for coffee and snacks; others -like Holly- go to the gym and run a mile on the treadmill. Holly has been an inspiration and I am also going down to the gym to work out once a day (Holly goes 3 times a day to run over 3 miles!). I am quite proud of myself for being able to do cycling and the elliptical machine with all the rocking of the boat. The waves are getting a bit stronger these days and I am adapting.

exercise equipment in the workout room
Gym on the Reuben Lasker

I have also been getting to know many of the people on board that are supporting the work of the scientists- both NOAA Corps and the crew. I have been interviewing some of them to prepare for future posts. Our meals continue to be amazing; tonight for Sunday dinner we had steak and lobster as an option. On every cruise, there is a special meal night and tonight was that night. There’s always a vegetarian option as well as a large salad bar at every meal. Tonight’s special desert was the ice cream sundae which is appropriate since it was World Ice Cream Day!

close up view of a plated dinner: lobster tail, baked potato, salad
Sunday night dinner
a bowl of ice cream with many toppings
Ice cream sundae (Sunday dinner)

We are also building community aboard the ship as time passes. It is a bit like being in a dorm in college; however, we are even more tightly together since the ship is our only place to go. Yet, it is wonderful to share a space so closely with people that have a passion for science, the ocean and its conservation. With shipboard life, they also have the time and interest to share their knowledge. I am learning so much from every person I meet. I am also amazed that so many people – especially on the crew- have worked in Antarctica.

We are also having fun. On Saturday, we had a barbeque with a cooking challenge. The crew set up a cornhole game on the lower deck. In the evenings, after dinner and after our 8 o’clock science meeting, we play card games. Amity, my roommate, leads these with a treasure chest of games she has brought on board. I have learned several new and wonderful card games – like Skyjo and Exploding Kittens- to share with my class.

a game of cornhole on deck. Jacqueline, wearing her Teacher at Sea hat and t shirt, takes a step forward as she tosses a red bean bag across the way. her competitor, Mike, stands back with a pile of bean bags in his hand. in between is a white cornhole board with some bean bags resting on it. behind them, the sky is cloudy and the water is gray.
Cornhole at sea
six people sit around a table, mid card game. in the background is an array of computer monitors with screensavers images from Finding Nemo
Card games – our nightly pastime

Did you know?

Black-footed Albatross nest in the Hawaiian Islands and 98% of the species lives there. They mate for life, lay one egg per clutch and are very long lived; the oldest recorded was a male at nearly 61 years old. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect their favorite food as they glide over the vast ocean. Their wingspan averages 6’9”. Like other seabirds, the albatross can drink saltwater because it has special glands above the eyes that excrete the salt out of their tubenose bill.  Black-footed Albatross are on the threatened species list and are threatened by plastic pollution, oil spills and long line fishing. 

a bird flying just above the surface of the ocean. it has black feet.
Black-footed Albatross flying in the sanctuary
Photo Credit: Jim Tietz
Posted on

Jacqueline Omania: First Mola Mola and First Days Afloat!

Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea beanie, sits in an observer's chair anchored to the deck of the flying bridge. She holds a pair of binoculars with both hands. She turns her head from the binoculars to pose for a photo. Beyond, over the railing, we see that the sky is fairly cloudy and the seas are mild.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Jacqueline Omania

Aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker

July 14 – July 24, 2025

Mission: Oceanographic and Biological Monitoring of Davidson Seamount

Geographic Area: Davidson Seamount/Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Date: July 16, 2025

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 35° 42.48’ N

Longitude: 122°  22.29’ W

Wind Speed: 3.1 knots

Wave Height: 3-4 ft.

Air Temperature: 16.2°C/ 61°F

Sky:  Overcast

Science and Technology Log: 

After a day of transit, we reached our location in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Davidson Seamount, an undersea mountain habitat 80 miles southwest of Monterey. At 7,480 feet tall and with its summit still 4,101 feet below the ocean surface, Davidson Seamount is one of the largest known seamounts in U.S. waters. It hosts a large number of deep-sea species-like coral forests, sponge fields, crabs, shrimps and deep-sea fish-as well as a great diversity of marine mammals and sea birds. While the deep-sea habitat of the seamount has been well studied, the area above the top of the seamount has not. Thus, this environment is the focus of our research. We are working to observe marine mammal and bird life and to measure water conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth (also known as CTD), and to collect environmental DNA (or eDNA, the genetic material shed by organisms in the water) data to give a more complete picture of the rich and interdependent food web above the seamount.

At the moment, we have completed our first day of observations and collections. The scientists work in two groups. One group is on the flying bridge (highest deck) and is observing and recording birds and mammals over a set distance with the ship traveling at the same speed (10 knots) each time.. The other group, in the wet lab, is managing the CTD data and eDNA collection. The chart below shows our CTD data collection stops on the transects over the seamount. We started at 24W and progressed to 24E on day one. Now as I write on day two, we are on 20M.

bathymetric map of the ocean around Davidson seamount, overlaid with straight magenta-colored transect lines. symbols along the transect lines reflect different types of planned sampling: a red circle is CTD only, a yellow circle is CTD and shallow eDNA sampling, and blue square (appearing directly above the seamount) is for CTD, shallow, and deep eDNA sampling. the title of the map is "Davidson Seamount, 50 miles offshore of central California." There's a small inset map in the corner showing the location of the seamount off the coast of California, south and offshore of Monterey.
Map of planned transects around Davidson Seamount.
Image Credit: Chad King/MBNMS

What is a CTD?

A CTD rosette is an instrument used to measure conductivity, temperature and depth. Conductivity readings tell us how  salty the water is because salinity affects how electricity moves through water. The device is a large cylindrical instrument, with a circle of 12 Niskin bottles, that is lifted by a very large winch and pulley system into the ocean. The caps to the bottles are open as the CTD rosette descends into the ocean. The device itself electronically collects CTD data along the round trip to 1000 meters and will do so at every location on the transect both in the day and in the night. For the water samples which capture the eDNA, the scientists close the caps on the bottles remotely to capture water at the depth of choice. For our eDNA samples at the yellow dots, we are collecting at 500 meters and the surface (0 meters) as the CTD rosette travels up. For the blue dots, we will collect eDNA at 0m, 500m and 1500-1700m. We are working hard to collect as much data as we can above the Davidson Seamount to better understand the relationship between oceanographic variables and the lives of marine organisms.

top down view from a high deck (probably the flying bridge) of the CTD just below the surface, connected to the pulley that is raising it back out of the water. it is a round apparatus housing the probe and a circle of water sampling bottles.
Raising the CTD back up to the Lasker
top down view from a high deck (probably the flying bridge) of the CTD suspended above the railing by a pulley as scientists raise it back out of the water. it is a round apparatus housing the probe and a circle of water sampling bottles.
CTD reaches deck
two crewmembers wearing white hard hats, life vests, and gloves work to pull the suspended CTD back over the railing and lower it safely onto the deck.
Landing the CTD on deck

Science in the Wet Lab:

Once the CTD rosette returns, the scientists collect sterile samples in small vials. First (image 1), 500ml of water is slowly run through a tube that forces the water through a very fine filter (imagine something like a disk shaped coffee filter). The filter (image 2), captures the eDNA which is then put into a small 2 ml vial with a preservative. This vial (image 3) will be processed by MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) which is dedicated to the study of our ever-changing ocean. The eDNA samples will allow scientists to identify species which have been in the area, although we have not physically seen them, by analyzing the genetic materials the organisms have shed. Thus, when combined with the actual physical observations, we will have a more complete picture of the ecosystem at Davidson Seamount.

  • water filtration system set up near a large metal sink. in the sink are two bottles of water, each with a thin tubes extending up through a black filtration apparatus attached to a piece of plywood.
    (1) Filtering the water samples
  • close up view of two purple latex-gloved hands preserving a water filter; the right hand uses tweezers to stick a round filter (about the size of a quarter) into the sample bottle the left hand is holding. on the metal table below we see a green tray for holding small vials and a blue tray for holding larger ones.
    (2) Preserving the filter
  • close up view of a hand holding a roll of printed labels with QR codes. in the background, on a table surface, are datasheets and notebooks.
    (3) Labels and datasheets

Science on the Flying Bridge: 

The flying bridge, the highest deck on the ship (about 50 ft. above sea level), is where the mammal and bird scientists work. They divide the areas of observation into two 90 degree quadrants facing the direction of travel. Observations are recorded at specific time intervals from 7:30 am to 5 pm and only happen when the ship is traveling. As the observers call out, a recorder enters the data. There is a special order in which behaviors and details are entered. For birds the order of details recorded is: species, number, distance from ship (100m, 200m etc.), behavior (sitting on water, eating etc.) and direction of flight. For marine mammals, the order is: how first seen, what method (eye, binoculars), direction from ship, reticule (distance taken from binocular lines), animal’s activity, age/sex, species, number and any other comments. Since there are 4 observers calling out, taking turns is necessary. Also spotting a mammal takes precedence over birds- so mammal observers are allowed to interrupt and share their observations. All of this data is compiled daily. On our first day, we noted 331 sightings of which 284 were birds and 47 mammals. Today, Wednesday, we had 303 observations with 274 birds and 29 mammals. Most of the birds today were Red-necked Phalaropes and the mammals were fur seals. Red-necked Phalaropes, of which we saw 107 individuals, breed in the Arctic and then migrate to winter in South America.

view of an upper deck with a shade covering. nine people are visible along the railing; two tit on higher chairs while the rest stand. they all face away from the camera. the sky and the sea are gray.
The Flying Bridge
Mammal and bird scientists

All of this research is possible through excellent teamwork. Just as in our school, Oxford Elementary, we have a team of the principal, a secretary, teachers, instructional assistants, specialists, afterschool staff, maintenance and food service, our work on Rueben Lasker requires a team of the scientists, the ship crew and the NOAA Corps officers. I am part of the science team which is led by chief scientist Chad King from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and has four scientists from the sanctuary and four from Point Blue, a conservation organization that works both on land and sea. In future blogs, I will be spotlighting members of both the science team and the ship team to share their work.

Personal Log:

My first days on the ship have been wonderful. The entire community is so welcoming and are always checking in and willing to share their work. I have learned a great deal of new vocabulary that is important to get around the ship. My room is called “a stateroom,” the bathroom “a head,” and each floor is a “deck.” We eat in the dining room called the “ mess” and the food is made in the “galley” (kitchen). The front of the ship is “bow” and the back “stern,” while the right side is “starboard” and the left is “port.” I am learning my way around the ship- it is a bit of a maze of doors and levels. The first day, I spent an hour going up and down and around trying to find the acoustic lab to join the card games without luck. Now my orientation is better, and I know where the acoustic lab is; each day, though, I continue to notice more special doors or sections of the ship that I have never seen before. 

I feel incredibly safe at sea due to the great teamwork. Chad, our chief scientist, meets with NOAA Corps and the crew twice a day- at sunrise and sunset- to discuss operations and gain feedback on the day. Our science team also meets at 8 pm daily to discuss both science and general well-being. On our second day at sea, the entire ship had both a fire drill and an abandon ship drill. For the fire drill, we had to go to our muster station- indicated on our bunk card – and wait for the ship crew to do their practice. This experience is much like fire drills at school where we make sure everyone is accounted for. For the abandoned ship drill, we had to put on the red survival suit. We were lucky we got to practice in the mess. It is a bit like struggling into the most awkward Elmo costume. Once you get your hands in, you lose dexterity and yet you still need to zip up your suit and pull up the head covering all on your own. With coaching by NOAA Corps officer, Lt. Mike Fuller, I made it! This suit will give you insulation and buoyancy to prevent hypothermia and drowning in case of the need to abandon ship.

close-up view of a card attached by a magnet to a metal door. It reads: TAS Omania, Jacqueline. and then lists three sets of muster locations for Fire & Emergency, Abandon Ship, and Mariner Overboard. The three scenarios also include depictions of the corresponding morse code, shown as boxes or rectangles
Emergency Bunk Card
Immersion Suit Practice with coach Lt. Fuller.
Jacqueline, wearing the orange survival suit, raises her hands in triumph. we recognize the mess hall in the background.
Success!
Photo Credit: Holly Lohuis

Life aboard Rueben Lasker is quite comfortable. I share a stateroom with Amity Wood, who works with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in education and communication. She kindly let me have the bottom bunk. We have our own bathroom and shower and lockers to store our clothes in. Now, a few nights in, I am getting used to sleeping with the constant rocking. Overall, life aboard the ship is like being forever in a fun house. Everything moves- the hallways, the doors, the decks and the ladder like stairs. As you walk, you learn to keep your steadiness and constantly adjust despite it all. Metaphorically, this skill of always adjusting and adapting yourself to stay balanced no matter what happens is a great life skill.

view in the stateroom. we see two bunk beds with individual curtains; a window; a chair at a desk out of frame.
Stateroom
view down a narrow interior hallway, lined with a railing for safety. on the left wall is a whiteboard decorated with photos of the crewmember and fish stickers. announcements are posted on the wall beyond the whiteboard.
Hallway

The highlight of my experience so far is being able to spend my day 50 ft above sea level on the flying bridge surrounded by the deep blues to silver greys of the ever-changing Pacific Ocean. We began with amazing views of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge after we left our port of Alameda. Though I know the San Francisco Bay well, the chance to see it with the birds’ eye view was a special gift. I could see details I’d never seen before- such as the inside of a container loader’s cabin and the underside of both bridges. 

view of a large bridge from underneath. the sky is blue with some haze. the water is mostly still - only a fine ripple - and we can see the shadow of the bridge on the water's surface. at the far end of the bridge is a city skyline with high rises; beyond that, a distant mountain range.
Oakland Bay Bridge
view of Golden Gate Bridge as the ship approaches from the east; we see the hills of Marin beyond the span. the top of the bridge is obscured by fog.
Golden Gate Bridge
view of the Golden Gate Bridge as seen from directly underneath: a long black span stretching above our heads. at the far end of the bridge we can see the hills of Marin partially obscured by fog. the sky is gray and cloudy, another vessel motors toward this, leaving a wake.
Golden Gate Bridge
ten people pose for a group photo on an upper deck of NOAA Ship Bell M Shimada; they have timed it so that the Golden Gate Bridge (shrouded in fog) is centered behind them. Most people wear jackets, hats, and sunglasses.
Science Team

Once we left the Bay, heading toward Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, we sailed past several humpback whales, brown pelicans and cormorants. Each day, I learn more about scientific animal observation. I now know how to first spot an animal with your eye and then bring your binocular up to your face at the line of vision. You must not look down ever in the process or you will lose the animal you are focusing on. I am fairly new to birding- even though I started birding with my class this year. We gave ourselves the challenge to learn 6 local Berkeley birds and experienced birding at the Berkeley Marina, where most children saw their first ‘lifer’ – the Great Blue Heron. I’d love my students to see me now– as I am seeing ‘lifers’ every hour of the day! (A ‘lifer’ is the first time a bird species is seen by an observer.)

Jacqueline, wearing a Teacher at Sea beanie, sits in an observer's chair anchored to the deck of the flying bridge. She holds a pair of binoculars with both hands. She turns her head from the binoculars to pose for a photo. Beyond, over the railing, we see that the sky is fairly cloudy and the seas are mild.
Observing on the Flying Bridge

Animal observation takes time and patience and precision. At first, every time I spotted an animal, by the time I lifted the binoculars, it was gone. With practice, I’ve gotten better and each day is filled with wonder. I have a goal to personally see at least one new species a day. On Monday it was a Black-footed Albatross. On Tuesday, after missing out time after time…. I actually saw -– a Mola mola!

Did you know?

The Mola mola, also known as Ocean Sunfish, is the heaviest bony fish in the world. They can be up to 14 feet long and weigh 4,400 pounds. They average at 550-2200 pounds. Mola mola are silvery grey with a tiny mouth, big eyes, a flattened body and no tail. Because they spend much of their time near the surface, they are very sensitive to entanglement and plastic pollution. In my sighting, I saw the dorsal fin first and then the giant body through the water. You can see Mola mola at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

top down view of a mola mola swimming at the ocean surface
Mola mola in the ocean. Photo Credit: NOAA
A vivid view of a mola mola swimming underwater, possibly in a tank
Mola mola. Credit: The Nature Conservancy.
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Jacqueline Omania: A Second Chance! July 9, 2025

view of NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker underway, as seen from an adjacent vessel. The ship is painted white, and we can see the NOAA logo, the acronym NOAA, and the hull number R 228 painted on the hull.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Jacqueline Omania

Aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker

July 14- July 24, 2025

Mission: Oceanographic and Biological Monitoring of Davidson Seamount
Geographic Area of Cruise: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Departure Port: Alameda, CA
Arrival Port: Alameda, CA

Date: July 9, 2025

Yes, I am back for a second chance! Last year, after a wonderful orientation at the Coral Lab in Galveston, I unexpectedly came down with Covid just days before my cruise on Thomas Jefferson. Thanks to the Teacher at Sea Program and specifically the support of Emily Susko, I was placed on a new cruise on Reuben Lasker in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I am so grateful for this chance to sail and learn in my local marine sanctuary. Easier yet, the port of departure- Alameda- is just a 20 minute drive from my home in Berkeley!

In this cruise, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) will be working with Point Blue Conservation Science and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to study the Davidson Seamount. The Davidson Seamount is an undersea mountain that rises 8,000 feet above the sea floor and hosts a unique ecosystem due to the nutrient rich waters that are pushed to the surface. It is located 50 miles offshore of central California. I am very excited to learn more about seamounts!

In our survey, we will sample the water above and adjacent to the seamount. We will also be surveying marine mammals and seabirds and their prey and collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) to understand animals that we are not able to observe. This data will help give a more complete picture of oceanography and biology of the entire seamount from its base to the ocean surface and help us to understand connections between climate, ocean conditions and marine life. One goal is to use this data to inform the shipping industry so that ships crossing the Davidson Seamount lower their speed to avoid hitting whales. This work is of great importance to me as I have been saddened by the many whale strikes in the Bay over the recent months. All of our work will be done on board Reuben Lasker, a 208 ft research vessel equipped for both fishery and oceanographic research.

view of NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker underway, as seen from an adjacent vessel. The ship is painted white, and we can see the NOAA logo, the acronym NOAA, and the hull number R 228 painted on the hull.

NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker, Photo courtesy of NOAA

While I shared my background in my introductory blog last summer, there have been some new developments. First is the great news that after 9 years of leading student activism to end single use plastics in school meals, we began reusable dishware for school lunch. The change is not just for my school, but will be rolled out in all schools across the district, impacting 9,000 students daily and vastly reducing the plastic waste our schools generate. I am really happy that students will be able to experience more sustainable meals at school — since lunch is school too.

view of a compostable lunch tray containing chickpeas, peaches, cooked vegetables, and plastic fork
Traditional single-use disposable materials
a metal lunch tray containing apple, vegetables, cucumber, dip
New reusable lunch dishes

This school year, I also had the opportunity to travel for 12 days to Antarctica as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with National Geographic on the polar expedition ship Endurance. This life-changing experience of exploring the Southern Ocean deeply impacted both myself and my class. We spent the school year diving into a study of Antarctica, interacting with polar scientists and learning of the critical role Antarctica has for the health of our water planet. We discovered how our local actions impact the environment and affect places as far away as Antarctica.

Though I couldn’t take my students on the voyage with me, I did instill in them the curiosity and joy I experienced exploring. Thus, my class became explorers of our local environment — the Berkeley Marina and the San Francisco Bay. In a series of 10 field trips, we learned to identify local birds, trawled and studied plankton and charted and sailed a course on the schooner Pegasus, engaged in multiple beach clean-ups (with data sheets) and camped on the cliffs in Marin overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I hope that through these joyful experiences of learning in nature, my students will be inspired to continue to grow their connection, curiosity and sense of caring for our planet — and especially for our ocean.

The following photos are included courtesy of Oxford Elementary.

students on a pier in the San Francisco Bay; in the foreground, two students lean over to reach down into the water. in between them is a sample bucket containing water and some algae, and laminated identification guides. beyond these two students, a boy with a small dip net runs down the pier toward the camera; at least two more students are visible with dipnets farther down the pier. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Bay scientist studies
two students in hoodie sweatshirts, hoods protecting their heads, huddle on a pier in the San Francisco Bay. The student on the left, facing away from the camera, holds her arm out to drag a plankton net through the water adjacent to the pier. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Trawling as Bay Scientists
five students on a pile of rocks along the edge of water. we can see a long wooden pier stretch across the water, beyond our line of sight, and mountains on the other side of the water. in the foreground, two boys look at a clipboard together. behind, other students scramble over rocks with bags to collect trash. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Beach Clean / Waste Audit
three students and one adult stand near a marina and hold binoculars up to their eyes. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Birding at the Berkeley Marina

Sailing on Pegasus (a youth sailing project)

A man in a sun hat and two students in personal flotation devices kneel on deck and look down at paper charts set up on a white surface. one student writes with a pencil, holding a clear plastic ruler down with her other hand, and the instructor points at something to guide her. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Charting a course to Angel Island
two students stand at the helm of a sailboat. each is wearing a personal flotation device. the student on the right points at something out of frame. we can tell they are on a sailboat - we see a portion of the rolled up sail - and that there are other people around, not fully visible in the photo. Photo courtesy of Oxford Elementary.
Sailing our course to Angel Island

Finally, I am especially excited for my Teacher at Sea experience because Monterey Bay is close to my heart. In 2019, my students and I participated in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Ocean Plastic Pollution Summit; it was a life changing 2-day experience where we explored the aquarium at night, slept next to the tanks, listened to inspirational youth ocean activists and connected with students from all over California who were also working to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Many of the students pictured below are still active in working to protect our ocean by volunteering at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center or serving as youth representatives on our city’s Climate Commission.

a group photo of seven students and Jacqueline, in matching black shirts, in front of a backdrop that is printed with a school of fish and the words Monterey Bay Aquarium Ocean Plastic Pollution Summit
Ocean Plastic Pollution Youth Summit. Photo courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium

As I embark on this voyage of discovery, learning and adventure, these words of the great oceanographer and ocean activist Sylvia Earle, whom I deeply admire, come to mind:

“The ocean is the cornerstone of Earth’s life support system, it shapes climate and weather. It holds most of life on Earth. 97% of Earth’s water is there. It’s the blue heart of the planet — we should take care of our heart. It’s what makes life possible for us.”

a photo of two women leaning toward each other and smiling for the camera. Jacqueline, on the right, holds up a handwritten note that reads: "To the Zero Waste Class - Bravo! With admiration and thanks for all you are doing to make a difference. Sylvia Earle. December 2017."
With Sylvia Earle and my students (not pictured) in Alameda, CA

Thank you to the scientists and crew of Reuben Lasker for the opportunity to join you in this most important work!