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.”
Weather Data Snapshot: 9:54am, Pacific Daylight Time
Currently, the air temperature is 58°F (14°C) with a wind speed of 23 knots and a wave height of 9 feet. Not only are the seas rough offshore, but the wind is making it very chilly to work outside. Luckily, we have some gear that keeps us warm for times when we need to be outside for extended periods. The sky is clear, and the sun is shining, so I am counting my blessings despite the cooler temperatures.
Melissa (left) and myself (right) preparing to go outside for UCTD deployment.
Science and Technology Log
It’s been an exciting week regarding technology! I had the opportunity to help prepare a CTD (a piece of equipment mentioned in a previous blog post) for deployment as well as the opportunity to observe a UCTD being deployed. A CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) is a tool that measures how salty and warm the water is at certain depths . For larger CTDs, the ship comes to a stop, scientists then lower the CTD using a cable, and it collects data as it goes down. A UCTD (Underway CTD), however, is a smaller version that can be used while the ship is moving. It’s dropped into the water and pulled behind the ship, collecting data as it sinks. This allows scientists to gather information more quickly and without stopping the ship. Both tools are important for helping scientists understand seawater conditions and how they change based on depth, time of day, season, location, etc.
Elias and myself preparing the CTD for deployment.
Photo of me with UCTD equipment.
In other news, we have run into several different cephalopods this week. Cephalopods are part of a group of marine invertebrates that includes octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. They are known for having large heads, arms or tentacles, and relatively high intelligence when compared to other invertebrates. In our case, we caught a few different kinds of squid, a few small octopus, and a nautilus in our trawling net. I was particularly excited to see the nautilus, because I had never seen one in person before!
Paper Nautilus
Robust Clubhook Squid
Market Squid
Tuberculate Pelagic Octopus
A group of three (3) Seven-Armed Octopus.
As you can see, cephalopods come in many different varieties. I enjoy teaching about them in the classroom because of their unique evolutionary features, like chromatophores, which are specialized cells that enable cephalopods like squid, cuttlefish, and octopuses to rapidly change color. It should also be noted that cephalopods are part of the phylum Mollusca, just like the abalone that I discussed in a previous blog post. In general, I really love teaching about mollusks in the classroom because of the amount of diversity that we see within the phylum.
Personal Log
Speaking of squid, I tried calamari (fried squid) for lunch yesterday. I typically do not eat seafood of any kind, but when you’re on a ship, the food options may not always be what you want them to be. (That’s not to say that the food isn’t amazing, because it is. I am simply a picky eater.) Let’s just say that I will not be eating any more squid any time soon. (But I will still pose for pictures with them!)
Me, holding a Sandpaper Squid.
I also got to photograph a sunrise on the Pacific! The mornings have typically been hazy, or the boat has been facing the wrong direction for me to view the sun properly, but I finally managed to catch the sunrise while out on the back deck after processing our last catch of the night. Seeing the sunrise and sunset on the Pacific are two goals that I had when I started this journey. Unfortunately, because of my night shift hours, I do not think I will be able to catch a sunset any time soon. Perhaps on the last night of the cruise, I will stay up past my “bedtime” and wait for the sunset!
Sunrise on the Pacific ocean from the fishing deck of NOAA ship Bell M. Shimada.
On another note, it has been 10 days since I left Georgia and arrived on the west coast, and I am starting to feel the effects of working such long days. I miss my family, and I miss the comfort of home. That is not to say that I am not enjoying this learning experience, because I am. But I want people to know that individuals who conduct research on scientific vessels like NOAA ship Bell M. Shimada are some of the most hard-working people I have ever met. I get to go home after 16 days and return to my own house with my own bed and other creature comforts. Some people are on this ship for several legs between now and September, and if they’re not at sea, they’re at their respective places of everyday work, such as an office or science center. It’s quite admirable, and humbling, to see how dedicated these people are to marine science and to the well-being of our oceans. It makes me want to be a better teacher so that we have people in the future who love and care for the ocean and are interested in preserving it as well.
A view of the rough seas from my stateroom.
Did You Know?
Let’s talk about butterfish! Off the Atlantic coast, there is a commercial fishery for Atlantic butterfish. There’s another species of butterfish known as the Pacific butterfish that is quite common off the coast of California even though it’s not fished commercially in this region. I have decided that butterfish are the cutest fish that we have caught in our net so far! I love them so much that my teammates toss me all the butterfish when we are sorting our catch, and I make excited noises when I find them buried amongst our anchovies, mackerels, and sardines. In honor of the humble butterfish, I dedicate this Did You Know? section to them!
A Pacific butterfish from our catch being compared to an image of the species.
According to NOAA, butterfish are small, round fish that are bluish on top with silvery sides and belly. They have small mouths, blunt noses, and grow to about 6–9 inches long, though some can reach 12 inches and weigh up to 1.25 pounds. Butterfish grow quickly but don’t live long; most only live about 3 years and can reproduce by age 1. They spawn in the summer (June and July) and swim in loose groups, feeding on small invertebrates. Why do we care about butterfish? Many animals, like bigger fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, eat butterfish. That means that they are a humble yet important piece of a healthy and balanced ocean ecosystem.
Weather Data Snapshot: 12:23pm, Pacific Daylight Time
Currently, the air temperature is 65°F (18°C) with a wind speed of 10 knots and a wave height of 5 feet. I was finally able to witness a sunrise this morning during my working hours, thanks to clear skies, and I am staying up a little bit past my “bedtime” to enjoy today’s sunshine.
Science and Technology Log
Trawling operations are in full swing here on the ship! Please enjoy this image of me in front of our two trawling nets, which we pull behind the boat at different depths to target different species of fish.
Photo of me with our fishing nets, which we use for surface and midwater trawling.
In these first few days, we are seeing many anchovy! I have quickly become an expert at identifying the differences between anchovy and other fishes that may be brought up with our net. In addition to fish species, we see quite a few small squid and some other invertebrates known as pyrosomes in our net. (See the Did You Know? section below for more information.)
Photo of a basket of anchovy, with one being held by someone’s hand for a size reference.
After sorting our catch, we measure and weigh a certain number of the target species (sardine, anchovy, and mackerel) to collect data that helps us characterize their species and size distributions. In addition, some specimens are selected for dissection, where we determine the fish’s sex, reproductive stage, and health; collect tissue samples for genetic analysis; and extract otoliths for estimating age.(For more about otoliths, which are also known as ear stones or ear bones, click here.) This information helps scientists monitor fish health through their life history stages. It’s not possible to catch every fish in the ocean, so scientists study a smaller representative group instead, like we are doing aboard NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada. This age data, along with other information like length, weight, and sex, is used to create computer-generated models of the fish population. When combined with acoustic data, these models help estimate how many fish are in the wild and predict what might happen if people keep fishing.
Photo of me measuring a very small fish with a digital tool called an Ichythystick.
In the picture above, you can see that I am using a special tool called an Ichthystick to digitally measure the length of each fish in a specific subset from our catch. I have discovered that, although I do not normally consider myself squeamish when it comes to science, I am not a fan of dissecting fish for otoliths. Instead, I do a lot of the measuring and weighing of the fish, as well as additional tasks to support my teammates while they work on extracting otoliths.
In addition to trawling for fish, NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada has a special piece of technology known as a CTD. A CTD is a scientific instrument used in marine science to study the properties of seawater. CTD stands for Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth. These three measurements help scientists understand what the ocean is like at different levels. The CTD device is usually attached to a metal frame and lowered into the ocean from a research ship. As it goes down, it collects data about the water’s temperature, how salty it is (measured by conductivity), and how deep it is. This information helps scientists learn about ocean currents, climate, and marine life. CTDs can also carry bottles that collect water samples from specific depths. Scientists use these samples to test for oxygen, nutrients, or tiny organisms. CTD data is very important for studying how the ocean changes over time. (I have not yet seen the CTD in action, but I pass by it every day on the side deck and am hoping that it will be deployed sometime soon during my working hours.)
Photo of me next to a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) device for size reference.
Personal Log
Adjusting to life at sea is an ongoing process. I experienced a bit of seasickness yesterday right after lunch, but I was able to go to my stateroom at noon (which is the end of my night shift) and sleep it off until my next shift began at midnight. As a person who traditionally struggles with sleep, I am so exhausted after each shift that I am sleeping much better on the ship than I do at home, which I did not expect! In addition, I am eating much better on the ship than I do at home, thanks to our amazing Chief Steward who has been cooking fabulous meals for us. I have learned that mealtimes are very important on the ship, because sitting with your colleagues while enjoying good food is a boost for team morale and helps everyone stay energized.
Did You Know?
A lot of different animals can become caught in a trawling net while fishing, but pyrosomes are some of the most common animals we see during night trawls (aside from our target species of anchovy, mackerel, and sardine). What are pyrosomes? NOAA’s website tells us that pyrosomes are pelagic tunicates, which are part of the phylum Chordata. In other words, pyrosomes are tough, bumpy, gelatinous tube-like animals that gather in large clusters at the ocean’s surface. Like many jelly-like animals in the ocean, we still don’t know a lot about pyrosomes and how they live. This makes it hard to understand how they might be affecting ocean ecosystems. For example, pyrosomes can grow quickly and filter large amounts of water, which could have a big effect on phytoplankton blooms. Before this experience, I had never even heard of a pyrosome, and now, I feel like I am part of a pyrosome party every night!
A basket full of pyrosomes (the pink gelatinous tubes) mixed with fish.
Geographic Area of Cruise: Pacific Coast, near Northern California
Date: September 6, 2024
Weather Data from the Bridge (Mendocino Ridge Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area):
Latitude: 40º18.178’ N
Longitude: 124º48.470’W
Wind Speed: 5.87 knots
Air Temperature: 14.3ºC/57.74ºF
Conditions: Foggy
Science and Technology Log
There are many methods of studying the ecosystem of the ocean on the mission that I am on, and another method we are utilizing is that of Environmental DNA (referred to as eDNA). Every living organism in the ocean leaves behind traces of its existence. Much like humans shed skin cells and hair, and cats and dogs shed fur, ocean organisms leave behind skin, scales, and waste products. These artifacts contain DNA, and can last in the water for anywhere from 7 to 21 days. Scientists have ways of collecting eDNA using the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) rosette.
Deploying the CTD
CTD off the side of the ship.
A CTD rosette is a device that is routinely lowered off of the ship to monitor the temperature and conductivity of the water at measured depths in the water column. NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada’s rosette has 12 containers, called Niskin bottles, that are opened before deployment, and then triggered at different depths one at a time as the rosette ascends, trapping the water from that depth inside. Separate from these collections, sensors analyze the temperature, salinity (salt levels), pressure, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (cloudiness), and other useful information. The data collected from the CTD shows up instantaneously on a computer screen aboard the ship.
Data coming in from the CTD dive
To collect eDNA, the scientists look at where the biggest temperature changes happen (called the thermocline). Once the CTD is back aboard the ship’s deck, the scientists pump the water collected in the Niskin bottles triggered at the depths surrounding the thermocline through a filter. The eDNA material is collected and strained into this filter, where it is preserved to be sent to a lab for further analysis. Once the eDNA gets to the lab, scientists look at the DNA “fingerprints” left behind by organisms and match them to a database of known DNA. The scientists then have knowledge of what organisms were present in that location in the ocean at the depths those samples were collected from.
Scientist Alice Kojima-Clarke pointing out the eDNA filter
This goes hand in hand with the work I blogged about last on the MultiNet. The identification of the plankton that Jenn is doing is part of the work that goes into the database helping scientists identify DNA from the eDNA samples.
Personal Log
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what the food is like on the ship, and anyone who knows me knows that food is a big part of my life! The ship’s cook, Ronnie, is amazing. He cooks the food from scratch, and it is not uncommon to see meatballs being rolled out for the next meal, or other prep taking place. The meals are served buffet-style, and there is no shortage of food. Even the pickiest eater would be happily satisfied here.
The menu from a few days ago
Dinner from tonight
For Labor Day, we got to have a cookout on the ship’s back deck. It was quite the feast, featuring all of the grilled meat and fixings you could want.
Grilling steaks for Labor Day
Also, if at any meal you ‘forget’ to take dessert, Ed, the steward, will remind you. He’s always looking out for your best interest! He also always has the best jazz music playing in the kitchen.
Ed always has the biggest smile on his face – you can tell he takes great pride in his job! Ronnie is in the background, and his food is spoiling us!
Finally, I have to take a minute to wish my Dad a happy birthday! I had some cake to celebrate you today, Dad!!!
I saved you a piece of Red Velvet Cake!
Music Connections
In looking at how the eDNA analysis works, I’m going to compare it to listening to an audio recording of a high school band. When a person listens to a recording of the band, they can tell what instruments are represented in the recording. For example, you may notice that there are flutes, oboes, clarinets, and saxophones, but perhaps the band is missing a bassoonist. If the group does a really good job of section playing, you would have a very tough time picking out HOW MANY flutists are in the recording. You may be able to hear that there are a lot of them, based on the depth of sound you hear throughout the dynamics being played, but you could not say with any confidence whether there are 7, 8, or 9 flutists. You also would not know whether one of the high school students was absent that day, or whether a guest was playing on the recording as well. The process of eDNA analysis is the same way – scientists can tell what was present in that one snapshot of time, based on the DNA present in the sample. They cannot tell you how many of each organism is present, or whether those organisms live there or were merely just migrating through the area.
For today’s audio clip, I recorded the ship’s horn being blown as a result of the reduced visibility from the fog. I learned that there are several different patterns for the horn to blow, and the example I have for you here is the long fog horn blast followed by two short blasts, signaling that we are unable to change course (in this case, due to the fact that we are acoustically tethered to the AUV that was in the water at the time)
The ship’s fog horn
Student Questions
Students asked me to be on the lookout for dolphins. On our third day at sea, we saw a whole pod of dolphins right next to the ship! Here’s a very short video to watch them all, and I am not zoomed in at all with my phone!
Pod of dolphins swimming past NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada
Geographic Area of Cruise: Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Date: August 20, 2024
Weather Data fromthe Bridge Latitude: 42.2212 º N Longitude: 70.29659º W Wind Speed: NW at 12 mph Air Temperature: 19.8° Celsius (67.64° F) Sea Temperature: 19.3 Celsius (66.74° F)
Science and Technology Log
Monitoring Ocean Parameters with NOAA’s CTD and Carousel Bottle Sampler
The CTD and Carousel Sampler are essential tools NOAA uses to monitor ocean conditions. “CTD” stands for Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth, the primary parameters this device measures. By running profiles of the water column from the surface to the bottom, the CTD helps us understand key ocean characteristics. The Carousel Sampler paired with the CTD allows collection of water samples at depth for laboratory analysis.
What Does the CTD Measure?
Conductivity: Helps determine the salinity of the water.
Temperature: Measures the thermal profile of the water column.
Depth: Tracks how deep the CTD is during data collection.
Together, these measurements give us a detailed profile of the water column, helping scientists monitor what we call “the Big Four” parameters.
Carousel: Collecting Water Samples
The CTD and Carousel is equipped with twelve Niskin bottles, which are used to collect discrete water samples from specific depths. The bottles are numbered 1-12, and are “fired” (closed) at different depths to capture water samples.
For example, bottle 1 might be fired near the bottom (a few meters above the seafloor), bottle 2 at 10 meters, bottle 3 at the determined chlorophyll maximum (C Max), and bottle 4 couple just below the surface. Multiple bottles are often fired at each depth to collect additional water. These samples provide critical data about the ocean’s chemical properties at various levels.
CTD Carousel Bottle Sampler
Preparing the CTD Carousel Bottle Sampler
Before deployment, we ensure that all the stopper valves at the top and bottom of each Niskin bottle are closed. We also hook the wires at the top and bottom to prepare the bottles to open at the designated depths. Once the CTD is ready, it is carefully lowered into the water, beginning its descent through the water column.
Analyzing the Key Parameters
Once the water samples are retrieved, we focus on analyzing these key parameters:
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC)
pH
Total Alkalinity (TA)
Nutrients
Chlorophyll
Lowering the CTD into the water.Monitoring the CTD as it descends.Karen (left) and Tonya (right) collecting water samples from the CTD Carousel .DIC, pH, and TA samples.Nutrients and Chlorophyll stored in freezer at -80°C.
Storing the Samples
After processing, the nutrient and chlorophyll samples are stored in a freezer kept at -80°C (-112°F) to preserve them for further analysis. Mercuric chloride is added to the DIC, pH, and TA samples to preserve them until they are measured in the laboratory. These samples provide invaluable insights into ocean health. The DIC, TA and pH samples help us monitor the effects effects of ocean acidification— which occurs when carbon dioxide dissolves into the ocean. The chlorophyll samples measure the amount of phytoplankton living in the water. Like plants on land, microscopic phytoplankton carry out photosynthesis, produce oxygen, and are at the base of the marine food web.
Understanding these parameters allows us to monitor the ocean’s health and better predict how it may change in the future. For more information on ocean acidification, check out this resource: NOAA Ocean Acidification.
By closely monitoring DIC, TA and pH we can track important changes in our oceans, providing critical data for research and conservation efforts.
Personal Log
Life on a 12-Hour Work Shift at Sea
Working a 12-hour shift at sea might sound intense, but there’s often some downtime between stations and even a few hours after the work is done. The time you get can vary depending on how far apart each station is. Sometimes it’s just enough to process samples before heading to the next station, while other times you have several hours to relax and recharge.
So, how do you spend that free time on a ship? There’s no shortage of options. You could enjoy a movie in the lounge area, dive into a good book, play a board or card game with other crew members, or head to the flying deck to spot seabirds and marine life, or simply take in the stunning ocean views. Another interesting way to pass the time is visiting the bridge, where you can see how the ship is navigated, maneuvered, and commanded.
Let’s not forget “Activities and Crafts with Katy,” which can bring a whole new adventure to your day. Today, this included visiting the lab and looking at the different species of marine organisms that have been collected, such as stingray barbs, dogfish, and scallop shells. Katy then showed us how to make our own Acadian Redfish otolith (ear bone) earrings. “Scientists use the ear stones (bones) as a way to age the fish. Also called otoliths, they are bones found right behind the skulls of bony fishes.” (Smithsonian)
The balance of work and downtime can make those long shifts much more manageable and even enjoyable, offering moments to connect with colleagues and the environment around you in a way that few people get to experience.
The Lounge area.Flying DeckAllison and Liam observing birds from the flying deck.Acadian Redfish otolith Tonya (me) and Katy wearing our otolith earrings.The Bridge
Did You Know?
“One atmosphere is equal to the weight of the earth’s atmosphere at sea level, about 14.6 pounds per square inch” (NOAA Water Pressures at Ocean Depths). Beneath the ocean’s surface, water pressure increases by approximately one atmosphere for every 10 meters of depth.
To illustrate just how intense this pressure can be, we conducted a simple yet fascinating experiment. We decorated 16 ounce styrofoam cups with artwork, then placed them in a mesh bag attached to the CTD Carousel Sampler. The CTD , along with the cups, was submerged to a depth of about 500 meters (1640.42 feet), where the pressure equals roughly 725 pounds per square inch (psi). We repeated this process by submerging the cups to 200 meters (656.17 feet), which equals about 291.18 psi.
As the cups descended into the depths, the increasing water pressure caused them to shrink dramatically because the air inside the cups was compressed. This simple experiment vividly demonstrates how powerful the forces at play beneath the ocean’s surface can be.
This is a normal size ounce styrofoam cup (left side). Here is the cup after it was submerged 200 m below the ocean surface (middle). The last cup was submerged 500 m and then again at 200 m (right side).
