Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 15, 2025
Weather Data:
6:29 PM Eastern Time
The current temperature is 27°C (80°F). The wind speed is 6 knots. Source: Windy app.
Science Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary students: Ahoy from the sea! We’ve set sail this morning to Newport, Rhode Island. There’s a port there that our ship will dock at. NOAA Ship Pisces has been sailing smoothly, or without any issues.
We spotted a lighthouse! Did you know that lighthouses were made to help ships travel safely? They shine bright light at night to warn sailors about dangerous rocks, reefs, or shorelines. They’re almost like traffic signals for boats.
It’s colder inside the Lab Room to make sure the computers don’t overheat. I’m typing this post on one of the deck tables. It feels amazing with the ocean view and breeze.
Today, I’m introducing you to a special instrument, or tool, that helps us learn about sea water. It’s called a CTD instrument.
CTD stands for Conductivity-Temperature-Depth. Video credit: NOAA
The CTD is very important for science missions at sea. Do you remember the goal, or purpose, of our mission? Here’s a hint….
Yes, that’s right. We’re surveying, which means collecting and studying, baby bluefin tuna (larvae). The CTD will help us learn about the sea water where we find the larvae. Like how warm the water is and what it’s made of.
Conductivity tells us what’s in the water, like salt. Salt helps electricity move through water. If the water has more salt, that means it has higher conductivity.
Temperature tells us how warm or cold the water is. Some sea animals like warm water and some like cold water.
Bluefin tuna larvae like warmer water, so that means grown-up bluefin tuna swim a long way to find warm water to lay eggs. The area where they lay eggs in are called spawning areas. Photo credit: NOAA
The life cycle of bluefin tuna. Photo credit: Planet Tuna
Depth tells us how deep the water is. The deeper you go, the darker and colder it gets, so we have find the depth where temperature and conductivity are just right for bluefin tuna larvae.
This information helps scientists learn the physical properties of water where bluefin tuna larvae are found. This is important because larvae need just the right kind of living conditions to grow and survive. Photo credit: Discover Wildlife
By using the CTD, scientists can figure out where the best places are for them to live. This helps protect their habitat and make sure their population can last a long time. It also helps us find them next time, knowing where to come back to find them.
During this mission, we’ll be using the CTD to sample, or study, the water. This requires a big crane like what you see at a construction site! Photo credit: NOAA
The CTD is connected to computers in our Dry Lab. This means we can see water information live, or real-time.
The CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) apparatus.
Learning how to read data, or information, from the CTD!
Personal Log
There’s been plenty of time to review, practice, and set up equipment for our mission. Here are some updates.
Do you remember the drifters from our last post? Well, they’re finished! Look at the photos below. These traps will be attached to the drifters. The drifters will be thrown into the ocean. The light will attract bluefin tuna larvae and then trap them in the net. Each drifter also has a GPS so we know where they are always. Here, scientist Kristen was making sure the nets stay in place.
Kristen adjusts a trap
Larval fish trap
Two larval fish traps
Discussing the trap design
Scientists Chrissy and Sarah were helping me review this blog post. I wanted to make sure I can explain everything to you correctly. All scientists have been helpful. They’ve been explaining a lot of scientific words and information that I don’t know.
Scientist Betsy was working on a part of the CTD (right). Bongo nets (left) are also in this picture. They are shaped like a pair of bongo drums and used to catch very small sea creatures.
Scientists were walking me through books that scientists have created to identify sea animals.
Here’s scientific information about Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae. They’re called Thunnus thynnus.
Scientists Amanda and Allison were observing birds.
In the lounge room with Autumn, one of the scientists who will be on 3PM – 3 AM duty with me once we begin our survey. Here, crew members can watch TV, read books, or work on their laptops during free time.
Tomorrow, there’s a full day of practicing emergency drills. I’m about to sleep early to rest and to feel better from sea sickness. The ship’s been rocking back and forth so it’s time to turn off my laptop for the day!
Did you know?
Chief Scientist Dave was tying each drifter to a float.
To make sure each drifter is tied securely to a float, we tied a special knot called the bowline knot.
People have been using this knot for a very long time. It was confusing for me, so Dave and Kristen gave me plenty of chances to practice!
Can you find some rope and try to tie a bowline knot?
Here’s a helpful video! Video credit: Youtuber NightHawkInLight
Here’s a fun way to memorize it!
“The rabbit comes out of the hole, Goes around the tree, And back down the hole.”
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 14, 2025
Weather Data:
1:32 PM Eastern Time
Norfolk, Virginia
The temperature is 32°C (89°F)
Career Spotlight
Uplift Education, Mighty K-12 scholars: Did you know some people have jobs where they explore the ocean, study sea animals, and help take care of our planet?
Some of you, even those already thinking ahead in middle or high school, might be wondering what kinds of jobs or studies you can pursue one day. Well, today we’re going to meet some real-life ocean heroes: the scientists on the science crew who are sailing aboard NOAA Ship Pisces for the larval bluefin tuna mission. They come from all over the United States and are experts at what they do.
Why are they awesome? If you’d like: go ahead and think, share, and then draw or write your responses on this digital whiteboard:
Based on some of your responses… these scientists are curious like inquirers, hardworking and knowledgeable, and they show they are caring by helping protect sea life. They are communicators who share what they know, and courageous learners who explore the unknown! Now, let’s learn more about our science crew to find out how you might be a sea explorer one day!
Hi, I’m David Richardson! I live in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, but grew up in Sierra Madre, California. I studied Natural Resources at Cornell University, then went to grad school at the University of Miami. I’m the chief scientist on this cruise, which means I help plan how we collect data to meet our science goals. My research focuses on larval fish, fish migrations, and how ocean conditions affect fisheries. My favorite marine animal’s the sail fish. They’re beautiful at every stage of life! I love science because it helps us make the world better. In fisheries science, our work helps keep fish populations healthy so people can continue to enjoy fishing and have access to food.
Fun fact: My first research was on baby eels near Barbados. I discovered and illustrated six types of eel larvae that were new to science! That experience showed me how much of the ocean is still a mystery. My advice: Pay attention in math and writing but also get outside! Observing nature is one of the best ways to become a great scientist.
My name’s Allison Black! I’m from eastern Connecticut and often at sea. I studied Zoo and Wildlife Biology at Malone University and worked briefly as a zookeeper before focusing on ornithology. My favorite (yet unseen) marine animal is the Wandering Albatross. They can travel over 75,000 miles a year! On this project, I’m surveying seabirds and marine mammals. I love the ocean’s mystery and the chance to keep learning through different cruises. Fun fact: by year’s end, I’ll have 500 sea days! My advice: stay flexible, stay curious, and seize opportunities you didn’t know existed.
I’m Chrissy Hernández! I grew up in New Jersey and now live in Oxford, England. I earned my bachelor’s from Columbia University and my PhD from the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography. I’ve worked as a researcher at Cornell and Oxford. I’m a population ecologist who studies biological oceanography and theoretical ecology. My favorite marine animal is the bluefin tuna! Aboard the ship, I help deploy plankton nets, identify tuna larvae, and guide sampling efforts. I love the ocean’s vastness and mystery, and how tiny organisms like phytoplankton produce half the world’s oxygen. Fun fact: I once shaved my head and tossed the hair overboard during an equator-crossing tradition!
Hi, I’m Autumn Moya! I’m from Colorado and now live in Silver Spring, Maryland. I studied Biology at Western Colorado University with a focus on environmental biology, and I’m finishing my Master’s in Coastal Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. My research models how offshore development might affect the Atlantic surf clam fishery. I’m currently a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. I support communications, policy, and events. I’m excited to join research cruises like this one. My favorite marine animal is the cuttlefish. Did you know they can change color as fast as a blink? I’ve always loved the ocean, even growing up in a landlocked state. Since finishing my bachelor’s, I’ve lived in seven states! My advice to future scientists: stay curious and never hesitate to reach out. Science is for everyone!
Hi, I’m Amanda Jacobsen! I’m from Rhode Island. I studied Environmental Studies at Connecticut College and now I’m working on my master’s in Marine Biology at UMass Dartmouth. On this cruise, I help deploy nets and collect seawater to study the carbon in it. My favorite sea creature is the lumpfish. Look it up, it’s cool! I’ve worked on over 80 boats, and I love biology because it lets me explore the hidden world of ocean life.
Sometimes only visible under a microscope.
My advice to you: Stay curious and try new things, you might discover something amazing or meet someone who inspires you!
Hi! My name is Kristen Walter and I live in Miami, Florida. I graduated from the College of William and Mary with a master’s in marine science. I now work for the University of Miami/CIMAS studying coral reef fishes and bluefin tuna! My favorite marine animal is probably the nudibranch! I’m here on this cruise to help locate larval bluefin tuna, set and recover nets, preserve and identify fish, and test out new methods of capture using light traps. A fun fact about me is that I got to participate in the Aquarius Reef Base Underwater Habitat in Key Largo when I was in grad school. If you’d like to get into marine science, look for summer internships. Many places offer programs for high school students. Get your feet wet. Anything is possible!
Scientist Betsey observing the sunset.
Scientist Sarah sailing at the Nauticus Museum when we were in Norfolk, Virginia.
A group photo of the science crew!
Personal Log
Over the weekend, we moved back onto NOAA Ship Pisces. It felt nice to return after a few nights in a hotel while crew members got everything ready for our big mission.
When we’re not setting things up, we spend time working in a place called the dry lab. The dry lab has computers, machines, and tables for us to study the ocean data we collect during the mission. I’ve been using this time to write my blog!
Many scientists also bring their laptops, journals, or books to read or work on. It’s a quiet place where people come and go, but when it’s time to work, everyone jumps in to help!
Scientists Kristen, Chrissy, and Sarah are making sure the light traps for our drifters (for catching fish) are ready.
Just like we practice fire drills and safety rules at school, there are also important rules and practice drills in case of emergencies.
Staying safe is super important when you’re out at sea.
Lieutenant Musick, one of the operations officers, is giving us safety training. He’s showing us how to use an EEBD (emergency escape breathing device).
We were given a tour of places to know for emergencies. All crews were involved including members from science, NOAA Corps, engineer, and deck teams pictured here
Outside of each stateroom, or everyone’s rooms, there is information on where you report to and what your role is during emergencies. It’s a good idea to study this information!
With our floaty rescue dummy!
Safety first! I need to make sure I can stay afloat in case I ever have to evacuate into the water.
I tried on an immersion suit, or “Gumby suit,” to make sure I can float in water. It’s also designed to keep people warm in the water in case they have to abandon ship or go into the water.So far, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone on board. I’m a lot more familiar with everything around the ship, including where all the rooms, crew members, and emergency equipment are. I’m feeling excited about our mission once we set sail.
Next time, I’ll be writing about a special tool we use called the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth), which helps us learn more about the ocean!
Did you know?
NOAA ships have their own weather stations right on board. That means they can measure wind, rain, temperature, and more. Even while they’re sailing across the ocean! What do you think scientists do with that information?
The station also shows navigational information, which gives everyone exact locations (coordinates) of the ship.
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 11, 2025
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Science Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary students: Happy Friday! There’s still a month of summer break left, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops. Today, I’m writing about our science mission. A mission is a special job or task that people work hard to complete. Let’s keep growing our brain today by learning more about bluefin tuna.
Have you ever heard of bluefin tuna before? What do they look like? Where might it live in the ocean? Go ahead and visualize, or imagine, the answers in your mind.
Now, let’s learn about bluefin tuna.
Bluefin tuna live in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists have found that they can be born in places like the Gulf of Mexico and now the Slope Sea, where we are sailing to, near the US East Coast! Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Did you know that some bluefin tuna are as long as a small car and can weigh over 1,000 pounds? That’s heavier than a big bear! But, when they’re born, they’re super small. Only about the size of a grain of rice.
When they’re babies, they’re called larvae. Scientists have found a new place in the ocean, called the Slope Sea, where many larvae are born and grow. This area is near the Northeast coast of the US, between the land and a strong ocean current called the Gulf Stream.
Can you guess why bluefin tuna are named that way? Hint: take a close look at their fins! Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Scientists are excited because this new discovery helps protect bluefin tuna and understand how they grow. They used special nets to catch the tiny larvae and studied their bones to learn how fast they grow. This research helps us take better care of these incredible ocean animals.
What do you think a larvae needs to stay safe and grow in the ocean? Photo credit: NPR
So, what is our mission? We know that tuna are big fish, but they start out super tiny when they are larvae. Scientists want to know how many bluefin tuna live in the ocean. To do this, they look at larvae and try to match them to their parents using something called DNA, like a puzzle piece from your family. Everyday, we will look in the ocean for larvae. If we find a lot, we’ll stay there. If we don’t, we’ll try a new spot. This helps us learn how to protect tuna and keep them safe.
We’re building special tools called drifters that will float in the ocean. These drifters have light traps on them. The light helps attract larvae. They will be dropped into the water. This will help us collect larvae for our mission. It’s like setting up a gentle trap to learn more about sea babies!
One of the scientists on our ship is Dave Richardson, who wrote the paper you just read about. He’s the Chief Scientist of this mission. This means that he’s the leader of all scientists on this mission. Dave’s an expert in bluefin tuna, and he knows a lot about how they live and grow! In the next few blog posts, I’ll tell you more about him and the amazing team of scientists working with him!
Some members of our science team, including Chief Scientist, Dave Richardson (far right). I will introduce and talk more about each scientist in the next few blog posts.
Personal Log
Sometimes, even when we plan a lot, things don’t go the way we want. This happens in our classroom when we learn new things. It can also happen on a boat! A few hours into the sea, our boat had to come back to the port in Norfolk, Virginia. For the last few days, lots of people have been working hard to get the boat ready to sail again. I’ve learned that being flexible, which means being okay with change, is very important on a boat because things can change anytime.
A view of other boats and vessels as we departed from the port. While sailing, you can hear birds, feel the cool breeze, and even see dolphins!
Watch carefully. What animals do you see?
We can practice being flexible every day, just like on the boat! Can you tell your parents about a time when you had to be flexible or change your plans? How did it feel?
I know the scientists worked hard to plan this mission, so I practiced being flexible by staying calm and understanding when the schedule changed. When we had free time, I tried to help whenever I could. For the last few days, we’ve been staying outside of the ship. This gave us lots of time to bond, which means getting to know each other better. On our science team, there are a total of 9 people. I’ve really enjoyed spending time exploring the city with everyone. Bonding with your teammates is important because it helps us build trust, feel appreciated, and work together as a team when the hard work starts!
The following pictures show us exploring Norfolk. The weather here feels just like a Texas summer: hot and humid! We saw big naval ships and visited a cool place called the Nauticus Museum. There, we learned all about the history of Norfolk and the many different ships that have sailed in the past. It was a fun way to learn while exploring.
At the Waterside Marina
Norfolk is a city by water. It is next to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. You can see boats, bridges, and seagulls everywhere!
Norfolk has a mermaid as its city symbol. Just like how a lion is our school symbol. You can find colorful mermaid statues all around town.
Nauticus is an amazing museum where you can explore real ships, touch sea animals, and discover what life is like on the water. You can even see NOAA photos and research on display!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base, which means lots of ships and sailors live and work here.
We went on a tour of Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Did You Know?
Bluefin tuna are fantastic swimmers! They can swim as fast as a car driving on the highway, up to 40 miles per hour! That helps them catch their food and travel across the ocean.
Video source: SUPERFISH BLUEFIN TUNA, broadcasted on the National Geographic Channel.
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 8, 2025
Weather Data:
12:06 PM Eastern Time
Currently, the temperature is 28.9°C (84°F). The wind speed is 10 knots.
Career Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars: Howdy from the sea! Mr. Nguyen here. I hope you’re enjoying your summer (and reading lots of books). Yesterday, I moved onto NOAA Ship Pisces. It was a long day at the port meeting everyone and learning the rules.
I arrived early morning at the port in Norfolk, Virginia
Right away, everyone made sure I felt comfortable, safe, and prepared for the sail.
On the ship are the following crews, or teams: NOAA Corps, deck department, engineering, survey, stewards, electronics, and scientists – which I’m a part of. Excitingly, there was a Change of Command ceremony, a special event when one commanding officer (CO) gives the ship to a new one. So, in honor of this celebration, I’ll be dedicating this post to the ceremony and to the career stages of NOAA Corps officers!
NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They study and protect the ocean, weather, and animals.
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars, what kind of animals do you think NOAA study in the ocean and in the sky? Let’s think, act them out, and draw! If you’d like, ask your parents to post your work in the comments!
A NOAA Corps officer is like a scientist and a ship captain. They wear uniforms and lead missions (special tasks) on ships. We respectfully address an officer by his/her rank or ship position. Yesterday, I got to see a Change of Command ceremony. That’s when one commanding officer (CO) finishes his/her job, and a new commanding officer (CO) takes over the ship. It’s kind of like picking and celebrating a new class leader. It shows respect, teamwork, and leadership.
NOAA Corps Officers and crew members set up the Change of Command ceremony.
NOAA Corps outside NOAA Ship Pisces.
The ceremony took place outside Pisces. All officers wore white uniforms with badges and stripes that showed their rank (like how high their job is) and accomplishments (the amazing things they’ve done). Families, friends, and crew members said goodbye to the former CO and later cheered for the new CO. There were speeches and salutes to celebrate! After the event, there was time for lots of photos and personal congratulations.
The former CO and new CO saluting each other.
The ceremony went great! The rain stopped and the weather was nice when everything started.
Seeing this ceremony was a great way to understand NOAA Corps officers and the importance of their work.
It takes a lot of practice and leadership skills to become a NOAA Corps officer! Here’s how it works:
If accepted, go to Basic Training Academy as an Ensign.
Complete Basic Officer Training Class
Serve as a Junior Officer aboard a NOAA Ship
Show leadership, earn sea time, and complete more training.
Be promoted to Lieutenant Officer and you may be selected as an XO.
Get more leadership training and experience and you may be selected as a Commanding Officer (CO).
Can you list and write the steps someone takes to become a NOAA ship leader?
Document source: Sinh Nguyen
The NOAA Corps supports all crews on ship in many important ways. For the science crew, they make it possible for scientists to do their work safely and successfully on sea. Learning more about NOAA Corps makes us appreciate their incredible leadership and accomplishments!
In the classroom, how can you start developing your leadership skills? Just like NOAA Corps officers, we can show leadership skills in many ways. Every day is a chance to grow into a leader. Which learner profiles can we demonstrate to help others, take responsibility for our actions, and work together as a team? Go ahead and point to a trait that you can commit to for the new school year.
These are International Baccalaureate (IB) attributes that help us become great leaders at Uplift Education, Mighty Primary. NOAA Corps officers show these traits when they lead their crew and support science missions on the ship. How can we practice these traits every day to grow as leaders? Photo credit: IB/PYP Website
Personal Log
There was so much to learn about crew members and rules, but everyone was so helpful. I felt like many of you have before, like a new student on the first day of school. A challenge was figuring out the layout, or set-up, of Pisces. At first, it felt like a maze as I was trying to figure out where to go and which rooms are in which deck. However, after asking for help, I was able to understand the layout better.
The hallways can be tight, but it taught me to be respectful and safe moving through a shared space.
I really felt welcomed by my Chief Scientist, Dave Richardson, and by his science crew. The Chief Scientist is responsible for leading science research during this mission. In my next post, I’ll share more about the scientific work we’re doing at sea!
Some of us explored Norfolk, Virginia, as we walked to a restaurant for dinner. Downtown Norfolk is about a 15-minute walk from the dock, with a lot of beautiful ocean views and history.
Hanging out in Norfolk
Norfolk StreetsBattleship Wisconsin
At the restaurant, we played and placed 3rd in a game of trivia.
On deck on NOAA Ship Pisces
There were lots of opportunities to get to know the scientists, who are very supportive and friendly, just like all the crew members I’ve met so far!
We continued preparation. I’m excited to share more about this for the next post!
Did You Know?
On NOAA ships, there are different names used for what we’re usually used to. For example:
Bedroom = stateroom
Bathroom = head
Floor = deck
Kitchen = galley
Dining Room = mess deck
Front of the house: Bow (front of the ship)
Back of the house: Stern (back of the ship)
This is a photo of my stateroom (bedroom) on the ship. I share it with three other crew members. We all work at different times, so we have to be quiet and respectful so everyone can rest.
Mission: Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey (Leg 2)
Geographic Area of Cruise: Pacific Ocean, California Coast
Date: July 10, 2025
TAS Jojo Chang
Weather Data from the Bridge
It’s noon, and the weather is cloudy and foggy. We are passing the coastal city of Carmel, California, but only a tiny sliver of land is visible from the ship. We are sounding the fog horn and traveling slowly. Currently, the air temperature is 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind speed is 14 knots.
Culinary: Art and Science
Let’s talk about Chef Phil, the Chief Steward on board. First things first: we are eating very well out here. And by “well,” I mean gourmet-level delicious. Chef Phil is a culinary artist, crafting remarkable meals that blend creativity and technique, even as the ship rocks and rolls like a theme park ride.
Chef Phil Jones
His knife skills? Let’s just say they’re literally “rolling with it.” That’s how he describes chopping food at sea—adjusting in real-time to the ship’s motion.
Chef Phil has a rich background in the culinary world. He once spent six months perfecting the art of sushi rice with Morimoto, the world-renowned Japanese culinarian (made famous for his role on the TV series Iron Chef). Phil has also cooked for Disney at the Hilton Orlando and aboard multiple cruise lines.
Sample daily menu . YES! We did have real gator nuggets.
“I’m not looking for a Michelin Star,” he says. “I just love what I do.”
Louisiana dinner menu
And that love shows—every single day. His food doesn’t just nourish, it brings joy. Thank you, Chef Phil, for making this ship’s mess hall taste like world class cuisine. It’s not a Michelin Star, but I’d give you five Shimada Stars. Chef Phil is assisted by Ted in the mess hall, preparing three amazing meals every day.
Ted Partosan: Kitchen assistant
Market Squid
In the wet lab, we encounter the ocean food web on a very real level every day with each trawl that comes up from the depths of the sea. It’s one thing to read about the food web; it’s an entirely different thing to see the organisms arrive in a basket for dissection and inspection. You should know that before I came on this boat, I had only dissected (reluctantly) one small frog in high school biology class. In college and graduate work, I studied education and American literature. There was nothing in my Captain Ahab/Moby Dick thesis paper that prepared me for this experience except background research into the Nantucket whaling industry of the 1800s.
Now, my scalpel skills have become quite remarkable. I have seen the insides of hundreds of hake fish and preserved many an ear bone for science. Inside, I’m telling myself, “I can do hard (and often gross) things.” When I say this is a life-changing experience, I’m not kidding. It is life-changing because of the wonder and amazingness of the life force of the underwater world, which is both fascinating and mysterious. I loved the ocean before I came out here, but now I’m just blown away by the life and living creatures that are under the sea.
One creature that comes into the wet lab regularly is the market squid. At first, they seem rather ordinary, but on further inspection, these creatures have the most beautiful pink, yellow, and brown random polka-dotted pattern. It turns out that this crazy cool feature is called chromatophores (cells that produce color) , and cephalopods use them to communicate, camouflage, and attract a mate.
Most days, we haul in 100s of these remarkable sea squids. The magic can be seen by tapping them lightly, and watching as the polka dots appear. The transformation is fleeting, but amazing. Unfortunately, it is an important feature for live squid, and as they die, they lose the chromatophores.
Chromatophores on market squid.
Video showing how the polka dots magically appear and disappear.
Fish Vocabulary
So, I have all these new science friends, and at first, they seem like totally normal ocean-loving people—you know, the kind who go on coastal vacations, talk about scuba diving, and swap fishing stories. But get them into the wet lab? Suddenly, it’s like flipping a switch. These folks light up over fish ovaries, otoliths, and fin clips like they just unwrapped an Apple Watch on Christmas morning—or scored Tiffany diamonds from a secret admirer. I’ve never seen someone so genuinely thrilled to dissect a hake fish. It’s both impressive and slightly shocking. However, what I see with everyone on board, from the deck crew to the engineers, is joy in their occupation. There’s a passion and a purpose to what they are doing that is both impressive and heartwarming.
Sabrina Beyer inspecting fish ovaries through a microscope.Sabrina Beyer and Amanda Vitale searching for a fish species.
Before arriving on this boat, I had never heard of an otolith, aka oties. This is a fish ear stone or ear bone, and is the most commonly used item for understanding the age of a fish. Scientists count the rings on a pair of otoliths to age a fish much like they count the rings on tree. Ear stones and tree rings are like nature’s timekeepers and just as trees lay down a new ring each year as they grow, many fish form growth rings on their otoliths. These rings can be counted to estimate the fish’s age, offering a biological calendar etched in bone.
A large pair of hake otholiths. They look like feathers.A photo from a Redwood tree in Muir Woods showing tree rings.
Both items that appear in Mother Nature’s patterns reflect changes in growth rate, which are influenced by environmental conditions. For trees, wider rings typically suggest years of good rainfall and favorable climate, while narrow rings indicate harsher times. Similarly, in fish, the spacing between otolith rings can vary depending on water temperature, food availability, and seasonal changes. Scientists aboard NOAA ships collect fish oties because they tell a hidden story about the life history and environment of the organism.
These ear bones are important to living fish for other reasons. According to NOAA Fisheries, “Otoliths are part of the fish’s inner ear, allowing fish to hear and sense vibrations in the water and providing a sense of balance so they may better navigate their surroundings.” Once, when my children were small, we had a pet fish named “Bubbles”. Bubbles swam upside down. I guess he must have had an otie issue.
Animals recently spotted from the ship or in the wet lab
Common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, rockfish, dogfish shark, strawberry squid, baby octopus, hake, butterfish, anchovy, market squid, king of the salmon
Live dogfish shark on board.
Bringing in a ribbon fish known as king of the salmon. This is fish is not a salmon but is named such because of the legend that it leads salmon to its spawning area.
