The WHOTS-13 buoy after a year at sea. These three red-footed boobies will lose their perch soon!
It’s deja vu all over again! The WHOTS-14 buoy is stable and transmitting data, and all the in situ measurements necessary to verify the accuracy of that data have been taken. Now it’s time to go get the WHOTS-13 buoy, and bring it home.
Diagram of the WHOTS-13 mooring. Image courtesy of the University of Hawaii.
The process of retrieving the WHOTS-13 buoy is essentially the same as deploying the WHOTS-14 buoy — except in reverse, and a lot more slimy. Take a look at the diagram of the WHOTS-13 buoy (to the left), and you’ll notice that it looks almost identical to the WHOTS-14 buoy. Aside from a few minor changes from year to year, the configuration of the buoys remains essentially the same… so the three and a half miles of stuff that went into the ocean on Thursday? The same amount has all got to come back up.
At 6:38AM HAST, a signal was sent from the ship to the acoustic releases on the WHOTS-13 buoy’s anchor. After a year under three miles of water, the mooring line is on its way back to the surface!
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From the time the signal was sent to the acoustic releases on the anchor to last instrument coming back on board, recovering the WHOTS-13 buoy took 9 hours and 53 minutes.
Personal Log:
Now that I have witnessed (and participated in, however briefly) both a buoy deployment and retrieval, one of the things that impressed me the most was how well coordinated everything was, and how smoothly everything went. Both deployment and retrieval were reviewed multiple times, from short overviews at daily briefings (an afternoon meeting involving the ship’s officers, crew and the science team) to extensive hour long “walk throughs” the day before the main event. Consequently, everyone knew exactly what they were supposed to be doing, and where and when they were supposed to be doing it — which lead to minimal discussion, confusion and (I assume) stress. Each operation ran like a well choreographed dance; even when something unexpected happened (like the glass ball exploding on deck during deployment of the WHOTS-14 buoy), since everybody knew what the next step was supposed to be, there was always space to pause and work through the problem. Communication is most definitely key!
The other thing that really made an impression was how much emphasis was placed on taking breaks and drinking enough water. It was hot, humid and sunny during both deployment and recovery, and since Hi’ialakai had to be pointed directly into the wind during the operations, there was virtually no wind on the working deck at all. I’ve always thought as the ocean as a place you go to cool off, but, at least for these few days, it’s been anything but! With apologies to Coleridge: “Water, water, everywhere, nor any place to swim!”
Did You Know?
A tangled mess of anything can be called a wuzzle. For example: “I don’t know how my headphones got into such a wuzzle.” The mess of glass balls on the deck is most definitely a wuzzle.
Life at sea can often be unpredictable. When I started my 4am shift I learned that we were having issues with the main engine on the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson and had to return to Kodiak. This cut my adventure at sea down to just two weeks instead of three. An unexpected bonus from returning to Kodiak was getting to visit the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center.
Science and Technology Log: Kodiak Fisheries Research Center
The Kodiak Fisheries Research Center was built in 1998 using funds from the Exxon-Valdez Oil Spill (1989). The purpose of the center is to provide educational information about the wildlife, marine life, commercial fishing resources and fisheries research programs on the island. Click this link for more information: KFRC
Interview with Kresimir Williams
Fisheries Biologist
Kresimir in the Acoustics Lab Image from TAS Mary Murrian
Official Title
Fisheries Biologist
Normal Job Duties
On this cruise, I am responsible for collecting physical measurements of fish caught in our science trawls, as well as providing support for various acoustic and camera instruments we’re putting in the water.
How long have you been working on Oscar Dyson?
Since it’s first science cruise in 2005, but only for a few weeks each year.
Why the ocean? What made you choose a career at sea?
I got hooked on sea exploration at an early age spending summers on the Croatian coast, snorkeling, fishing, and riding boats. The ocean represents an exploration opportunity that is more “accessible” to us, unlike the deep jungles or space. The edge of our knowledge is never very far in the marine environment. The more time I spend in ocean research, there always seem to many more questions than answers.
What is your favorite thing about going to sea on Oscar Dyson?
I enjoy the scientific challenges and the things that are new each cruise, whether it is some unique types of fish we encounter, or new ways of exploring the sea, such as new instrumentation. There always seem to be new things to see, even after being on these cruises for 15 years. And there are also new people on board that are interesting to meet, people with new perspectives and ideas.
Why is your work (or research) important?
There is a basic component to the work of essentially performing a marine “census” that is the backbone of resource management for the important fisheries that take place here. We have to have good information on the state of the fish populations in order to properly manage sustainable fish harvests. But the results of our surveys also provide essential data for many studies of the ocean, such as climate related fish distributions, questions of fish biology, and marine ecosystem functioning – critical research efforts that are carried on by academic and government researchers. On top of all that, we also do a lot of research into our survey methods, to develop new ways of collecting data and to determine the precision and accuracy of the tools we use. This latter part is more interesting to me.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
I was interested in all things oceanic from an early age. I always wanted to work specifically with fish. My toddler doodles were of fish. I’ve followed this path throughout my education and job history, and have no regrets.
What part of your job with NOAA (or contracted to NOAA) did you least expect to be doing?
On the job I somewhat unexpectedly learned how to write computer programs, and to develop and design camera systems. But this is also a very rewarding activity for me.
What are some of the challenges with your job?
As we incorporate more and more advanced technology into our work, trying to keep all of the systems operational requires a broad base of knowledge, spanning from computer networks, underwater optics, electronics, and engineering that can be a little beyond my background. So this is a challenge for me to keep myself up to speed on these aspects of the work and keep our instruments and cameras running smoothly. Also, as scientists we are obligated to share our work with others, which means writing papers and making presentations, which can be a challenge.
What are some of the rewards with your job?
I love discovering new ways of collecting data in the environment, and understanding how fish behavior influences our ability to observe them. Finding answers to research questions relating to these areas is a very rewarding experience for me. There are distinct moments, not very often encountered even in entire careers, when you know that you have found something, possibly something completely new, that produces an excitement that is almost difficult to describe.
Describe a memorable moment at sea.
A positive memorable moment would be when we first started operating cameras inside the trawl and were able to distinguish how fish behaved within the trawl for the first time. The first few tows with the new camera equipment were very exciting. A negative memorable moment: We did run out of coffee on a cruise in the Bering sea a few years ago. Bad scene.
Interview with Caroline Wilkinson
NOAA Corps Junior Officer
NOAA Corps Officer Caroline Wilkinson
Official Title
Junior Officer
Normal Job Duties
Standing bridge watch 8 hours a day, often with a Officer of the Deck in training. As Environmental compliance officer- ensuring the ship meets all required environmental standards for garbage disposal, discharge, etc. As medical officer- ensuring all personnel are physically and mentally fit for sea duty, keeping the hospital clean, tidy, and stocked, responding to medical emergencies at sea. As Imprest officer- maintaining our cash fund and reimbursing crew for missed meals. As Navigation officer- planning our route and ensuring the charts and electronic navigation reflects our intended tracklines.
How long have you been working on Oscar Dyson?
Since December 2015
Why the ocean? What made you choose a career at sea?
I grew up spending summers on Long Island Sound and fell in love with the beach and the smell of the ocean.
What is your favorite thing about going to sea on Oscar Dyson?
The amazing animals, land masses, and weather phenomenon that we get to experience.
Why is your work (or research) important?
The work I do facilitates the scientists ability to collect the necessary data to ensure the pollock population remains sustainable.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
As a child, I spent a lot of time out doors looking for bugs and critters; a career in science seemed like a natural next step.
What part of your job with NOAA (or contracted to NOAA) did you least expect to be doing?
I didn’t expect there to be so much paperwork involved with driving the ship!
What are some of the challenges with your job?
The long stints away from friends, family, and civilization.
What are some of the rewards with your job?
Meeting a variety of incredibly smart and talented people and exploring parts of Alaska most people don’t get to experience.
Describe a memorable moment at sea.
Being in the northern Gulf of Alaska at night and spending hours watching the northern lights dance across the sky.
Personal Log
Here is a quick video tribute to the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, the NOAA scientists and Oscar Dyson officers and crew. Thank you!
Education Tidbit:
I have one more NOAA website to share with you. It is a great resource for students who are doing a paper on a particular fish. I use the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center page and information on pollock as my example.
Did You Know?
That the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program has been around for over 25 years! You can learn more about the program by clicking this link: NOAA Teacher At Sea
Carina Fish. Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Hannah Palmer Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
I really enjoyed getting to know all the students, interns and young scientists on board the Fulmar. It was inspiring to learn about what they are studying in their programs at San Francisco State University, University of California at Davis (Bodega Marine Lab), and Sonoma State University. Carina Fish studies geochemistry and paleooceanography as she pursues a PhD in Geology at UC Davis. She is involved in Carbon 14 dating of deep sea corals at the edge of the Cordell Bank. Hannah Palmer (Bodega Marine Lab) is a PhD student at UC Davis studying ocean change in the past, present and future. Kaytlin Ingman studies ecology and marine biology in her graduate program at San Francisco State. Kate Hewett (BML) got her BA and MA in mechanical engineering, and now is working on a PhD in marine science at UC Davis. Sarayu Ramnath and Liz Max conduct experiments on krill at Point Blue Conservation Science and demonstrate their craft at the Exploratorium once a month. Emily Sperou studies marine science at Sonoma State. All these people brought great energy to the mission on board the Fulmar. It’s clear that the senior scientists really enjoyed teaching and mentoring them.
The other day I posed some questions about whale and porpoise behavior:
Photo credit: fisheries.noaa.gov
Why do whales breach? Some hypotheses include that whales breach to shed parasites, slough skin, communicate within their species, exhibit reproductive behavior or just for fun. The consensus within the scientific community is that whales breach to communicate with other whales.
Dall’s porpoise off the bow Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
It’s pretty obvious that the CA sea lion we saw leaping and twisting as he swam behind the boat was enjoying himself surfing the stern wave, but what about porpoises swimming in front of the boat? The ship’s wake also pushes them forward so they can easily surf the water. They like to surf the bow wave – fun, fun, fun!
Surfing the bow – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Other Creatures Seen on the Cruise:
Ocean sunfish (mola mola) This giant fish lives on a diet that consists mainly of jellyfish.
No, it’s not an ocean creature! We found these balloons about 40 km out to sea. Marine mammals can mistake this for food and ingest it, resulting in harm or even death. How can we keep balloons from getting out here? Photo credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Did you know?
When exploring the coast, you should keep a 100 meter distance from marine mammals. If the animal appears stressed you are too close.
Personal Log:
Well, it’s true. I’ve been home now for 3 days and it still feels like I’m bobbing on the ocean! Kirsten called this “dock rock” and I can see why.
As we arrived in port on the final day of the cruise, someone asked me, “What were some highlights of the week?” Well, here we go…
I came into this hoping I would see whales, and I did! I was thrilled to see humpback and blue whales, whale flukes, and CA sea lions and Dall’s porpoises surfing the boat’s wake!
I gained a much deeper understanding of the ecosystem monitoring being done and how it’s important for the management and preservation of species.
I appreciate the professionalism and collegiality among the scientists. It inspires me to build coalitions among the school system, scientists and community partners to advance ocean literacy.
I am so impressed by the impressive mentoring of the graduate students (and me!)
And finally, I have great respect for the hard work involved in being on the ocean.
Thank you for teaching me how to assist in conducting the research, and including me in the group. It was fun getting to know you and I look forward to staying in touch as I bring this experience back to the classroom. I am doing a lot of thinking about bringing marine science careers back to the classroom.
To all the crew on the Fulmar – thanks for an amazing experience! and… safety first ! Photo credit: B. Yannutz/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
I loved hearing from you. Thanks for posting your comments!
As I described in another blog, the ACCESS cruise records data about top-level predators, plankton, and environmental conditions as indicators of ecosystem health. Today I’ll explain sampling of plankton and environmental conditions.
Krill from the Tucker Trawl Photo credit: J. Jahncke/ NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
a single krill. Photo credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
a small squid – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
There are two methods of collecting plankton. The Tucker Trawl, a large net with 3 levels is used to sample organisms that live in deep water (200 meters or more) just beyond the continental shelf. The collected krill and plankton are sent to a lab for identification and counting.
Scientist Dani Lipski (left) and myself with the hoop net. Photo credit: C.Fish/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Another method of sampling producers and organisms is the hoop net, deployed to within 50 meters of the surface.
Here I am with my daily job of cleaning the CTD. I also prepare labels for the samples, assist with the CTD, Niskin and hoop net, and Tucker Trawl if needed. Photo credit: C. Fish/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Deploying the CTD and hoop net – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Environmental conditions are sampled using the Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) device. It measures conductivity (salinity) of the water, temperature and depth. The CTD is deployed multiple times along one transect line. Nutrients and phytoplankton are also sampled using a net at the surface of the water. I interviewed several scientists and crew who help make this happen.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Danielle Lipski,Research Coordinator, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Dani and myself deploying the CTD Photo credit: C. Fish/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Why is your work important?
The many aspects of the ocean we sample give a good picture of ecosystem health. It affects our management of National Marine Sanctuaries in events such as ship strikes, harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I like the variety of the work. I get to collaborate with other scientists, and see the whole project from start to finish.
Where do you do most of your work?
I spend 4 – 5 weeks at sea each year. The rest of the time I’m in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary office.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
In high school I was fascinated with understanding why biological things are the way they are in the world. There are some amazing life forms and adaptations.
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
I want to make a difference in the world by applying science.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
An Interview with a Scientist:
Jaime Jahncke, Ph.D., California Current Director, Point Blue Conservation Science
Jaime checks the echo sounder for the location of krill. Photo credit: NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Why is your work important?
We protect wildlife and ecosystems through science and outreach partnerships.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
-being outside in nature and working with people who appreciate what I do.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean Science?
I always wanted a career in marine science.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing?
I thought whale study would not be a possibility, and I love whale study. (I started my career studying dolphin carcasses!)
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Story of the Essex – the history behind Moby Dick
An Interview with a NOAA Corpsman:
Brian Yannutz, Ensign, NOAA Corps
Brian on the bridge Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Brian retrieving party balloons from the ocean so they won’t harm wildlife. Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is a uniformed service of the United States which provides professionals trained in sciences and engineering. Brian has been working for the NOAA Corps for 3 years. He is responsible for the ship while on watch, and other duties such as safety officer.
Why is your work important?
Among other duties, I drive the ship and operate the winch to deploy the trawl and CTD.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I enjoy meeting new people.
Where do you do most of your work?
I’m based out of Monterey, and spend 60 – 90 days per year at sea. I spend 40 hours / week maintaining the boat.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without?
-the Vessel Inventory Management System, which is a maintenance program.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
In the summer of eighth grade I went to visit relatives in Germany. It was my first time in the ocean. I also spent 15 days in the San Juan Islands.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
-the movie “The Life Aquatic”
Let’s Talk about Safety:
Brian is responsible for safety aboard ship and it is a high priority. Before sailing I had to do an immersion suit drill where I put on a heavy neoprene suit in 3 minutes. When on deck everyone wears wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), which could be a “float coat” or a “work vest”. A “float coat” looks like a giant orange parka with flotation built in. A “work vest” is a life vest. If you are working on the back deck when the winch line is under tension, you must wear a hard hat. Most people wear waterproof pants and boots to stay dry when hosing down nets.
That’s me, wearing the “gumby” immersion suit! Photo credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Bird and Mammals Seen Today in the Bodega Bay Wetlands:
35 Egrets, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Snowy Egret, many Brandt’s Cormorants, many Western Gulls
Did you know?
A blue whale spout has the general shape of a fire hydrant, and a humpback whale spout looks more like a fan.
Personal Log:
I suppose you are wondering what I do in my free time. Between my tasks on board, eating, and blogging, I am pretty busy. Getting extra rest is a big deal, because it’s hard work just to keep your balance on a ship. Some evenings, I feel like I have been skiing all day long! I spend a lot of my time on the flying bridge watching wildlife through my binoculars, or chatting with the scientists and crew. It is fabulous to be out here on the ocean.
Highlight of Today:
Watching several Dall’s Porpoises surfing the wake in front of the bow!
Questions of the Day:
Why do porpoises swim in front of the boat?
Why do whales breach? (Breaching is a behavior that looks like jumping out of the ocean on their side.)
I love hearing from you. Keep those comments coming!
One aspect of the ACCESS project is to collect data about top-level predators in the marine ecosystem. The scientists do this by recording observations of marine mammals and seabirds from the flying bridge (top deck) of the ship. I am going to tell you about the standardized method they have for recording observations so they can be quantified and compared year to year. Some of the categories include:
First Cue (The first thing you saw – either splash, spout, or body) .
Method (How did you see it? – by eye, binoculars, etc.) .
Bearing (relative to the bow of the boat: 0 – 360º)
Reticule (a scale that tells you how far it is away from the horizon)
Observer Code (Each scientist has a number).
Observer Side (port, starboard)
Behavior of the animal (traveling, milling, feeding, etc.)
Age (if you can tell)
Sex (if you can tell)
Species (humpback, blue whale, CA sea lion, etc.)
Counts (best, high, low)
The flying bridge of the R/V Fulmar. Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Marine mammal and seabird scientists are trained observers for this task that requires complete concentration. I interviewed them to find out more about their jobs.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Jan Roletto, Research Coordinator, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Jan assisting with the Tucker Trawl.Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Why is your work important?
This long-term monitoring of the ecosystem helps shape, define and enforce the regulations for the National Marine Sanctuaries.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I have the (long-term ecosystem) data when I assess damage and define restoration from oil pollution or boat grounding (incidents).
If you could invent any tool to make your work more efficient and cost were no object, what would it be and why?
Funding long-term data studies is a challenge, so I would like a marketing tool such as a fun TV program to market the excitement and drama of marine science.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
I enjoyed studying marine mammal behavior, and did a Master’s in anatomy and physiology.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing? – fundraising!
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
The only way to keep the project sustainable was to communicate in lay terms.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Doc Ford stories by Randy Wayne White are about a marine biologist ex-CIA agent.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Run (True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide) by Peter Allison.The stories are based on a Botswana saying “only food runs!”
An Interview with a Scientist:
Ryan Berger, M.Sc., Farallon Program Biologist, Point Blue Conservation Science
Ryan waiting on the back deck while the Tucker Trawl collects krill. Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Why is your work important?
We establish a baseline to more fully understand the effects of climate change on marine animals and thereby protect species.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
My work feels meaningful, I like its diversity, and I enjoy mentoring the next generation of conservation scientists.
Where do you do most of your work?
-on the Farallones Islands, on the ocean and in the office.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without?
-a Leatherman, walkie-talkies and a write-in-the-rain notebook while I’m on the Farallones Islands.
If you could invent any tool to make your work more efficient and cost were no object, what would it be and why?
-a tool to see the eggs under the adult birds without disturbing them. You have to have a lot of patience as you wait for the bird to move so you can see if it’s sitting on an egg.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing?
I did not expect to be an emergency responder for freeing entangled whales.
How did you become interested in communicating about science?
I found a field I’m passionate about and want to communicate an important message about being stewards of the environment for the next generation to enjoy.
What’s at the top of your recommended reading list for a young person exploring ocean or science career options?
The Education of Little Tree is about Native Americans, taking care of the environment.
Do you have an outside hobby?
I enjoy mountain biking, hiking and outdoor activities.
An Interview with a Scientist:
Kirsten Lindquist, Ecosystem Monitoring Manager, Greater Farallones Association
Kirsten spotting seabirds from the flying bridge. Photo credit: NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Why is your work important?
Our Beach Watch and ACCESS program data informs NOAA about the effects of conditions such as oil spills on wildlife. Beach Watch is a citizen science program that extends along the California coast from Año Nuevo to Point Arena.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I like being in the field and teaching and communicating why it’s important.
What tool do you use in your work that you could not live without? -binoculars!
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
When I was a young child I watched “Never Cry Wolf”, a movie about a science researcher named Farley Mowat. I was so taken by it that I told my mom, “I want to do that!”
How do you help wider audiences to understand and appreciate NOAA science?
I teach 150 volunteers through the Beach Watch program.
Do you have an outside hobby?
I like cooking and outdoor activities. Some of the field sites I’ve been are in Antarctica studying penguins, and Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and Chile.
Personal Log:
I am enjoying getting to know the scientists and crew on board. Since I am curious to find out more about what they do, I spend a lot of my free time asking questions. They are interested to know what middle school students learn in science.
the fog bank Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Every day I’m fascinated by life at sea. The fog off the California Coast is so dramatic. The other day we emerged from a huge fog bank into sunny skies where it was 15º F warmer!
I mentioned the galley the other day. It still fascinates me how compact everything is here on the boat. Everyone here has a sense of humor too. Check out the shark silverware we use!
the galley Photo Credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Shark silverware! Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Animals Seen Today:
Purple-striped Jelly – This small one was in the hoop net today, and we saw a larger one off the stern of the boat. Photo credit: J. Hartigan/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Small organisms in the hoop net – Video credit: J. Jahncke/NOAA/Point Blue/ACCESS
Question of the Day:
How do you tell the difference between the blow (spout) of a blue whale and a humpback whale?
I love hearing from you. Keep those comments coming!
