National Marine Sanctuary – Page 6 – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

April 27, 2014August 20, 2021

Jamie Morris: The Diving Begins, April 25, 2014

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jamie Morris
Aboard NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
April 19 – May 1, 2014

Mission: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Southeast Regional Ecosystem Assessment
Geographical Area of Cruise: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS)
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2014

Weather Data from the Bridge
Weather: Clear
Visibility: 10 nautical miles
Wind: 10 knots
Swell Waves: 2-3 feet
Air Temperature: 71.2ºF
Seawater Temperature: 69.1ºF

Science and Technology Log

Members on the Nancy Foster await the arrival of the dive team.

Last night the dive team arrived. The team consists of Jared Halonen, Hampton Harbin, Lauren Heesemann, Richard LaPalme, Katie Mahaffey, Randy Rudd, Sarah Webb and of course Chief Scientist Sarah Fangman. The divers quickly settled into the ship. We then had a science meeting where diving safety and the diving tasks were discussed. The divers than had to have their gear checked and it was loaded into the dive boats.

The dive operations began this morning. The beautiful, calm waters from the past 2 days changed into choppy water with up to 3 foot waves. The divers reported strong currents and a relatively large thermocline as they descend. A thermocline is where there is a change in the temperature. The divers reported a noticeable change in the temperature of the water as they descended. These conditions gave the divers a bit of a challenge.

The two dive teams set off to complete their morning dives

The divers were very successful today. They completed 2 fish acoustics surveys. Lauren and Randy dove to two different sites. At each site, Lauren had to identify and count all the different species of fish. Randy had the task of filming the site and capturing images of the different fish, especially any predator-prey relationships. They were able to see many different species of fish. The data gathered by Lauren and Randy will be used to compare to the acoustic data that is being recorded from the ship at this location.

The other dive group was tasked with replacing the Telemetry Receivers. In the morning this group consisted of Sarah Fangman, Randy, and Hampton. In the afternoon, Hampton and Jared completed this task. Together, the different dive teams were able to replace 5 receivers.

The receivers were brought on the ship and the data was downloaded to a computer. Every time a microchipped fish swam past these receivers, the receiver recorded the information. When the data is downloaded, you are able to see the number of the microchip from those fish and the date and time that they swam by the receiver. Using a database of microchip numbers generated by a group of scientists along the East Coast of the United States, we are able to identify the fish that have been in the area. From today’s data, we learned that Gray’s Reef had two visitors, an Atlantic Sturgeon in early March and Sand Tiger Shark in early April. Both were originally tagged in Delaware.

Jamie Morris preparing the receiver and Amy Rath writing the GRNMS blog. Photo: Sarah Webb

While the dive teams were out I kept busy on the Nancy Foster. In the morning I helped prepare logs for the Acoustics dive team. I also spent time at the bridge learning about the ship’s systems. Operations Officer, Lieutenant Colin Kliewer, and Junior Officer, Ensign Conor Maginn showed me the different systems in the bridge and explained how they are able to keep the ship in a precise location using the two thrusters on the ship.

OPS LT Colin Kliewer and ENS Conor Maginn controlling the ship's movements — OPS LT Colin Kliewer and ENS Conor Maginn controlling the ship’s movements

The Ship's Controls — The Ship’s Controls

In the afternoon I assisted Chief Scientist Sarah Fangman with the receivers that were brought on board. Using Bluetooth, she was able to download the data from the receivers to her computer. We then used the Microchip Data table and identified the tagged fish. We finished the project by cleaning the receiver and preparing them to be placed back into the ocean tomorrow. We prepared them by wrapping them in electrical tape and then placing them in nylon stockings. This is to protect the receiver from the organisms that will grow on them. Please see the “Before” and “After” photos below.

The Reciever Before it is placed in the water. It is wrapped with electrical tape and then placed inside nylon stockings. — The Receiver Before it is placed in the water. It is wrapped with electrical tape and then placed inside nylon stockings.

This receiver was in the water for 4 months. It is covered in tunicates, tube worms, and small crabs

We finished our day with a science meeting. We discussed the dives that occurred today. Issues, tips, and advice were shared. We also shared the data that was discovered on the receivers as well as the animals that were seen. Additional tasks for the diving teams were discussed including the sea turtle identification, the removal of the lionfish, and fish surveys. After the meeting concluded the group prepared for tomorrow’s dives by filing the SCUBA tanks, programming the GPS in the boats, and finishing preparing the receivers and logs.

The divers prepare for the dives by programming the GPS, checking the gear, and loading the gear into the boat.

Did You Know?

There is a fish called the guitarfish. This fish is a cartilaginous fish closely related to sharks and rays. One was spotted today at GRNMS.

NOAA Photo Library Image - fish4420 — Atlantic Guitarfish Photo: NOAA Photo Library Image

Personal Log

As of 5 pm tonight, I have been a board the Nancy Foster for one week. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown by. It feels like it was just yesterday that I boarded in the pouring rain, afraid to move around the ship. It took me a while to become comfortable walking on the ship. I am doing pretty well now, but every once in a while we hit a swell and I go flying toward the wall. Luckily the ship has railings all over allowing you to catch yourself. There is the rule on the ship to always have one free hand. I completely understand this rule and use it all the time. The most difficult places to move are going up or down in the ship. The stairs are a combination of stairs and a ladder. They are incredibly steep. The most difficult part is descending. I am getting much better at them. I am having a wonderful experience aboard the Nancy Foster. I have met many great people and am constantly learning. I cannot wait to see what this next week brings.

Additional Photos

Lowering the dive boats in the water is a team effort.

The crane lifts the boat, 4 members use guide ropes, and the boatswain directs the movement.

The science team meets to review that day's events and to discuss the next day's activitites — The science team meets to review that day’s events and to discuss the next day’s activitites

April 25, 2014August 20, 2021

Jamie Morris: Time to Plan, Prepare, & Revise, April 23, 2014

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jamie Morris
Aboard NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
April 19 – May 1, 2014

Weather Data from the Bridge
Weather: Clear
Visibility: 10 nautical miles
Wind: 7 knots
Swell Waves: 1.3 feet
Air Temperature: 68.5ºF
Seawater Temperature: 67.6ºF

Science and Technology Log

Today was our third day at sea. We again were very fortunate to have had beautiful weather. We are continuing to “mow the lawn” and are creating the seafloor map.

Lowering the dive boat. This is right before the Hydraulic Fluid leaked.

Since it was a relatively quiet day, the crew decided to practice launching and running two of the dive boats. As they were lowering the first dive boat into the water one of the guide ropes snapped. The crew worked quickly to reattach a new rope. Once the boat was under control, the passengers boarded and they sailed away to practice marking dive locations. A few minutes later the crew launched a second dive boat. The boat was lowered into the water with no problems and the passengers boarded. Right before they unhooked from the crane, the line carrying the hydraulic fluid on the crane popped off. Hydraulic fluid shot all over. (The hydraulic fluid is biodegradable so it is safe, but a mess to clean up).

The engineers were able to work quickly to repair the crane. Meanwhile, both dive boats went on their practice missions. The second boat was the first to return and was reloaded onto the Nancy Foster without any problems. The first boat, however, did not return on its own. It ended up having engine problems. The Nancy Foster had to stop mapping the seafloor and go retrieve the dive boat and its passengers. What was supposed to be a quiet morning turned into an eventful one, but fortunately no one was injured. The only causality was a boat.

We are now down to only two dive boats. This means that a third of the planned worked might not be able to get accomplished. Chief Scientist Sarah Fangman had to revise the mission’s plans to try to accomplish as much as we can with only two boats. She first had to prioritize the different projects. It was determined that the Fish Acoustics and Telemetry projects would be completed first. The Fish Acoustics study involves two divers going to 6 specific sites. One diver will identify and record the fish species that are present. The other diver will be filming the animals seen. The Telemetry teams will be replacing the receivers that are currently positioned throughout the sanctuary. These receivers record information from micro chipped fish that swim past. New receivers will be placed in the water and the old ones will be brought on board and the data will be uploaded onto a computer. While these projects are being conducted, the divers will also be looking for sea turtles and Lionfish. Data will be gathered about the sea turtles and photos will be taken. If Lionfish are located, they will be speared and brought on board the Nancy Foster where information such as length and weight will be gathered. Lionfish are an invasive species and need to be removed from the ecosystem. For a detailed description of Lionfish, please visit the Mission’s Website at: http://graysreef.noaa.gov/science/expeditions/2014_nancy_foster/welcome.html Once these projects are complete, the Marine Debris Survey will begin.

Preparing the recievers. They are first wrapped in electrical tape and than placed inside nylon stockings.

Today we did prep for the different missions. Sarah and I organized all the supplies that will be used. This included filling a dive bag with the receivers and tools needed to secure the receivers under water as well as tools to remove the current receivers. Yesterday we had prepped the receivers. Sarah replaced the batteries and then we wrapped the receivers in electrical tape and then placed them inside nylon stockings. This is to protect the receivers and to keep them clean. When they are under the water different organisms will start to grow on them. When we retrieve the receivers, we can cut away the stockings removing any organisms growing there and then unwrap the tape and the receivers will look brand new.

We also gathered the supplies for the Lionfish removal. These included dive bags to hold the lionfish, gloves for removing the fish, and placing the spear guns into the dive holsters (designed by a GRNMS member made out of PVC pipes). We copied all the dive logs onto waterproof paper and organized the paperwork for the dives. We also prepared all the underwater cameras. Hopefully we are all set for when the divers arrive tomorrow.

Spear Gun Holster — Chief Scientist Sarah Fangman models the spear gun holster.

First Assistant Engineer, Sabrina Tarabolletti fixes the underwater lights for the GO Pro camera. — First Assistant Engineer, Sabrina Tarabolletti, fixes the underwater lights for the GO Pro camera.

Today’s lesson was flexibility. It is so important to be flexible. On a ship, no plan is going to work out perfectly. There are many uncontrollable factors such as the weather or mechanical issues. It is important to always have backup plans and be able to adjust if problems arise.

Did You Know?

You can identify sea turtles using the scales on their neck. This pattern is unique to each individual sea turtle. Just like how fingerprints can identify humans.

Animals Seen Today

Hammerhead Shark – spotted from the bridge; estimated to be 10-12 feet long; it is very uncommon to see one in GRNMS (sorry no picture)

Personal Log

Amy Rath and I enjoyed writing our blogs on the Steel Beach. We were working very hard in the beautiful weather

I am truly having a wonderful time on this trip. I am meeting so many amazing people and learning a lot from everyone. The crew and all the scientific party are really nice people with many interesting stories.

Every day Keith Martin, the Electronics technician, makes Cuban coffee. I was teasing him today about the cups he uses to pass out the coffee. Cuban coffee is incredibly strong so you do not drink it like typical coffee. You drink only a tiny amount. Keith was using coffee cups to pass out the coffee. I asked him where are the tiny cups (plastic cups about the size of the paper cups you use at fast food restaurants to get ketchup)? He said that you can only find them in Miami. That led to a conversation about Miami. It turns out that he is a graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High. (Ms. Evans taught him Biology, Coach Delgado was his Drivers Ed teacher, Mr. Moser taught him weight training, and he was a member of TVP). It really is a small world!

I do not know if I will be posting tomorrow, so I want to give an early shout out to my Seniors. I hope that you have a wonderful time at Grad Bash. Make sure to ride the Hulk for me (I prefer the 1^st row). Have fun!!

Me with Keith Martin the Electronics Technician who is a Miami Palmetto Alumni Photo: Amy Rath — Me with Keith Martin the Electronics Technician who is a Miami Palmetto Alumni
Photo: Amy Rath

April 24, 2014August 20, 2021

Jamie Morris: “Mowing the Lawn”, April 22, 2014

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jamie Morris
Aboard NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
April 19 – May 1, 2014

Weather Data from the Bridge
Weather: Clear
Visibility: 10 nautical miles
Wind: 12 knots
Swell Waves: 1-2 feet
Air Temperature: 66.2ºF
Seawater Temperature: 64.8ºF

Science and Technology Log

Due to rough seas, we were not able to depart on Sunday. We waited until yesterday when the waves were only 3 feet at times (much better than 8 feet on Sunday). It took us 5 hours to travel from Savannah to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS). Once we arrived at the sanctuary, machines were calibrated and we began mapping the seafloor. The mapping will take 3 days running 24 hours a day. We are currently “mowing the lawn.” We started at one end of the sanctuary and are traveling in a straight line across to the other side of the sanctuary. Once we reach the edge of the sanctuary the ship turns around and we return to the other side slightly overlapping the previous path. The goal is to map the entire Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS).

Senior Survey Technician Sam monitors the seafloor mapping data — Senior Survey Technician Sam monitors the seafloor mapping

The seafloor is being mapped using a multibeam sonar. Multibeam sonar involves sending out 512 sound waves at once at different angles. The sound waves bounce off of the seafloor and are reflected back to receivers on the ship. There are a series of computer programs that uses the information to calculate the distance the wave traveled (depth of the ocean) and generate an image.

The scientists and technicians need to avoid errors while mapping and therefore need to account for the tides, the differences in the temperature and salinity of the water as well as sound velocity. There are several tools and computer programs used to avoid errors and adjust any differences. One of these tools is the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Density). The CTD is deployed off of the back of the ship. It is sent down a cable to the seafloor. As it descends it is gathering data and sending the data to a computer in the lab. The scientists and technicians make adjustments to the computer programs using this data and can compensate for again changes in the water column.

Senior Survey Technician, Sam Martin, Deploying the CTD

For a detailed description of Multibeam sonar, please visit: http://graysreef.noaa.gov/science/expeditions/2013_nancy_foster/multibeam.html

Several other projects will be conducted on this mission as well, but most will not begin until Thursday when the dive team arrives. These will include Marine Debris Surveys, Lionfish Removal, Sea Turtle data collection, and Fish Telemetry. In preparation for these projects, a small dive boat was just deployed off the ship. Chief Scientist, Sarah Fangman, with a few crew members went in the boat to test the marker drops. The divers will be looking for very specific sites. It is important to precisely mark the sites from the surface so that the divers will easily be able to find the spots or objects that they are looking for.

The Nancy Foster carries 3 small dive boats. The boats need to be lowered into the water using the crane located at the back of the ship. It is a group effort to deploy these boats. A member needs to operate the crane and four others use guide ropes to assist in lowering the boat. Once the boat is in the water, members need to crawl aboard using a rope ladder that is connected to the Nancy Foster.

A crane is used to lower the boat off of the ship into the water.

I have quickly learned that the most important skill on the ship is teamwork. One person cannot do it all. From safety procedures to gathering data to the general functioning of the ship, you need to work together.

Did You Know?

When using Sonar, extra sound waves are generated. This was once thought to be background noise. Scientists now call this Backscatter and can analyze this data and determine that type of seafloor bottom or the sediment that is present (sandy, rippled, hard bottom).

Personal Log

ENS Conor Magnin, LT Colin Kliewer, Me, and Amy Rath pose for an Earth Day Selfie
Photo: Amy Rath

Happy Earth Day!!! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this beautiful planet than sitting out on the deck enjoying the vast ocean. Or by submitting a Selfie to NASA to participate in their Global Selfie Project to create an image of the earth using selfies from around the world.

I have been aboard the Nancy Foster for four days now. I arrived in pouring rain on Friday night so I did not really get to explore the ship that night. On Saturday, I assisted with an Open House on the Nancy Foster where the public was able to tour the ship. Members of the GRNMS including Chief Scientist Sarah Fangman, Acting Superintendent George Sedberry, and Communications and Outreach Coordinator Amy Rath led the tours. Financial and IT Coordinator Debbie Meeks, volunteer Marilyn Sobwick and I signed people up for the tours and discussed GRNMS, NOAA, and the upcoming mission with the public. It was a wonderful experience being able to meet new people and introduce them to the Nancy Foster and Gray’s Reef.

I was all ready to set sail on Sunday, but the weather had different plans. We were all boarded on the ship and the crew was making the final preparations when it was decided to postpone the trip. The waves were 8 feet tall at Gray’s Reef. The rough water would have made it impossible to create an accurate seafloor map. Since that was the only task we had, the trip was postponed.

We were able to set sail yesterday. It was a beautiful day, as it is today. It is gorgeous outside with warm weather and calm waves. I have found several wonderful spots to sit outside and enjoy the ocean.

Many of my students had several concerns about life on the ship. Living on the Nancy Foster is quite comfortable. I am staying in a four person stateroom. Right now I am

sharing it with Amy who is a great roommate. We each have our own bunk with a curtain for privacy. The bathroom, or Head as it is called on a ship, is down the hall. I do feel like I’m back in college sharing a bathroom. The Galley (or kitchen) and Mess (dining room) is directly across the hall. As for my students who were very concerned about food – I am eating VERY well. The Nancy Foster has 2 amazing stewards, Lito Llena and Bob Burroughs, who are wonderful chefs. Yesterday they made a Ginger Chicken Soup that was honestly the best soup I had ever had. Many crew members tell me that the Nancy Foster is one of the best fed ships. I can agree. As for entertainment, the ship has a gym, tv and games in the galley, and a Movie Room!

Some of my students were very concerned about my safety. NOAA Ships want to make sure everyone is prepared for any situation. They are required to conduct weekly drills and all members aboard must participate. We practiced what to do in a blackout situation or how to find your way if you have chemicals in your eyes. We did this by being blindfolding and finding your way out of ship or to an eyewash station. We also practiced an Abandon Ship drill. We had to put on our survival suits and get to our life rafts. I am glad we are prepared.

Me in the Survival Suit.
Photo: LT Colin Kliewer

Abandon Ship Drill — Preparing to get into the survival suits during the Abandon Ship drill

Additional Photos:

Leaving Savannah and heading down the river

Drill — GVA Richard Odom practicing finding his way to an eye wash station without the ability to see. ENS Conor Maginn assists

Blackout Prep — ENS Carmen practicing how to evacuate the ship during a blackout.

April 11, 2014August 20, 2021

Jamie Morris: Preparing to Set Sail, April 11, 2014

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jamie Morris
(Soon to be aboard) NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
April 19 – May 1, 2014

Mission: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Southeast Regional Ecosystem Assessment
Geographical Area of Cruise: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS)
Date: April 11, 2014

Personal Log

Hello. My name is Jamie Morris. I grew up on a Dairy Farm in Wisconsin. Beyond a love for animals and an appreciation for where our food comes from, I learned many lessons from the farm. I have always had a great love of nature and respect for the environment. Life on the farm has taught me how interconnected we are to all parts of the planet.

Growing up over a thousand miles from the ocean, I was never exposed to marine life. I knew about freshwater from the time I spent on the lake fishing and boating with my grandfather, but I had no idea all the wonders that the ocean has to offer. All that changed when I was in sixth grade. My English and Science teachers assigned us a project to research a marine animal. We were given a list of animals to choose from. I read through the list and being the farm girl that I am, I chose the seacow. I assumed I would like that animal since it had COW in its name. I learned that the seacow was actually the manatee. I fell in love with the manatee and that simple report sparked my interest in the ocean.

Manatee (Trichechus manatus) - The reason I became interested in Marine Science — Manatee (Trichechus manatus) – The reason I became interested in Marine Science

After falling in love with the manatee, I wanted to learn more about the oceans. I researched on my own, read books, and even attended Marine Science camps during the summers. I did not have the opportunity to see the ocean until I was in High School, but as soon as I saw it, I was drawn in. I knew that I had to study Marine Science. After graduating High School, I moved to Miami, Florida to study at the University of Miami. I was very fortunate to have amazing professors who taught me different aspects of the oceans. My professors and the University of Miami provided me with many field experience opportunities including snorkeling trips to conduct reef fish counts, studying sharks at the Shark Lab in Bimini, and conducting climate change assessments around the Straights of Florida. All these experiences further inspired my love of the ocean.

Even though I truly love the ocean, I realized my passion was for teaching. I enjoy working with students and teaching them how to apply the knowledge that they have and how to think for themselves. It is very important to teach students how to analyze the world around them and to become problem solvers. I strive to inspire my students and to ignite their curiosity in science. I am a Science Teacher at Miami Palmetto Senior High School. This is my ninth school year teaching. I am currently teaching Marine Science to 175 wonderful students. I am very lucky to have a job where I can combine my two loves – the ocean and teaching. This course allows me to introduce the students to the wonders of the oceans. I especially enjoy teaching my students about conservation issues. I like to teach my students how our actions here on land can directly impact the oceans. I also like to teach them ways we can help the oceans and I hope to inspire them to make changes to help improve not only the oceans, but all parts of our planet.

My nephew Connor and I practicing our rowing skills. (Photo: Mel Meagher) — My nephew Connor and I practicing our rowing skills.
(Photo: Mel Meagher)

I am completely honored to be a NOAA Teacher at Sea. I am so excited to embark on this adventure. I know that the experiences I will gain will enhance my lessons and will allow me to inspire my students while providing insight into some of the current research projects in the oceans. I am a strong believer that we should never stop learning. I know that this is going to be the ultimate learning experience and will be an experience of a lifetime. I cannot wait to begin this adventure and be able to share it with my family, all my students, and anyone reading this blog.

I will be sailing on the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster and will be assessing the health of the Gray’s Reef Marine Sanctuary. Gray’s Reef Marine Sanctuary is a marine protected area off the coast of Georgia. The research will involve investigating fish and invertebrate abundance and distribution, habitat and human impacts, and invasive species.

As my students were counting down the days until Spring Break and now the days until graduation, I have been counting down the days until I set sail. My excitement and anticipation are sky high. One week! All I have left to do is pack.

My adorable niece Savannah. (Photo: Linda Meagher) — My adorable niece Savannah. I cannot wait to teach her about the ocean. (Photo: Linda Meagher)

My packing assistant. I think he wants to come too.

July 30, 2013August 20, 2021

Kate Trimlett: What a Difference 3 Days at Sea Makes, July 25, 2013

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Kate Trimlett
Aboard R/V Fulmar
July 23–29, 2013

Mission: ACCESS (Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies) to monitor ecosystem health in the national marine sanctuaries off the central and northern California

Geographical area of cruise: Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary & Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Date: Friday, July 26, 2013

Weather Data:

Wind Speed: 7.8 kts
Surface Water Temperature: 58.3 Degrees Fahrenheit
Air Temperature: 55.4 Degrees Fahrenheit
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure: 30.05 in

Science and Technology Log:

ACCESS is a project that contributes to a regional characterization and monitoring of the physical and biological components of the pelagic ecosystem of Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and northern Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. During our cruise we are collecting data in these sanctuaries. Over the last three days I have observed and helped the ACCESS scientists collect physical, chemical, and biological properties of the water, plankton, marine mammals, and sea birds. Each of these are measured by a different ACCESS team of researchers in a different area of the research vessel, R/V Fulmar.

Plankton and water are collected and measured on the back deck of the ship. The water is measured in a few ways. First, a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) and Niskin are lowered into the water between 35- 200 meters depending on the location on the line and depth of the water. The CTD measures the conductivity to calculate salinity, temperature, and relative depth within the water column. The Niskin collects a water sample at the same location as the CTD. These water samples are to tested for pH to measure the acidity of the water. Finally, Dru Devlin and I are collecting a surface water sample for nutrients and a phytoplankton samples for the California Department of Public Health, as part of an early warning program for harmful algal blooms that can impact the shellfish we eat.

This CTD measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. — This CTD measures conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth.

There are four different plankton collections. The first collection is with a small hoop net (0.5 meter diameter) used to sample very small plankton, from where foraminifera will be separated later in the lab. Foraminifera shell morphology and the oxygen isotopes of the shell are examined to investigate past and present climates and impacts of acidity on shell formation. Next, a larger hoop net (1 meter diameter) collects samples of plankton in the upper 50 m of the water, which will be used to investigate the abundance, species, reproductive patterns, and locations. When the research vessel was close to the end of the line and the continental shelf, the Tucker Trawl was released to collect three samples of plankton near the bottom. When we processed these samples the majority of the organisms were krill. Finally, Dru Devlin and I collected plankton samples 30 feet below the surface to send to the California Department of Health Services because they are interested in the presence and abundance of species that produce toxins.

On the top deck, the ACCESS observers watch for marine mammals and sea birds and call them out to the data recorder to log the sightings into a waterproof computer. This data will be used to relate the spatial patterns of bird and mammal distribution with oceanographic patterns and to understand the seasonal changes in the pelagic ecosystem.

These are the ACCESS observers looking for marine mammals and sea birds.

Personal Log:

My favorite sighting so far was the leatherback sea turtle. Seven years ago and last summer I took a group of Berkeley High School students to Costa Rica to participate in a sea turtle conservation project with Ecology Project International. On these trips we saw a female leatherback laying her eggs and a hatchling making its way to the ocean. It was great to see the next stage of development when the leatherback popped its head out of the water several hundred miles from their breeding grounds.

Dru Devlin's amazing picture of the Leatherback Sea Turtle. — Dru Devlin’s amazing picture of the Leatherback Sea Turtle.

Did you know?

Humpback Whales have bad breath? Yesterday we got to smell it first hand when two humpback whales decided to circle our boat and were close enough for us to smell their breath. It’s like rotting fish and sour milk mixed together.