fisheries management – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

August 26, 2025August 28, 2025

Robert Markuske: Starting to Untangle the Lines of Science and Policy, but Not Finished… August 26, 2025

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Robert Markuske

Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II

August 13 – 29, 2025

Mission: Long Shark and Snapper Survey

Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of America

Date: August 26th, 2025

Greenwich mean Time: 5:52 PM

Data from the Bridge:

Latitude: 29 degrees 22.755’N
Longitude: 83 degrees 37.314’W
Relative Wind speed: 5.42 Knots
Wind Direction: Southeast
Air Temperature: 32.8 Celsius
Sea Surface Temperature: 30.3 Celsius

close-up photo of Rob, wearing a hard hat, life vest, reflective sunglasses, and a serious expression; in the distance, across a span of blue water, is the full view of NOAA Ship Oregon II. the sky is blue with a few wispy clouds. — Had a chance to ride the small boat, and really see the *Oregon II*

Ahoy from the Gulf!

This first paragraph was written in worse weather. Today the sun has come out and the calm waters are back. But previously, I was editing this blog as we floated around in storms in the Gulf. They finally dissipated and we had a chance to score stations with a snakefish, sandbar, and a tiger shark. Probably one of the higher-wave days on the Beaufort scale since we left the port of Miami. Today’s prediction from the bridge is west-southwest winds at 5–10 knots and wave heights of about 1 ft, with scattered showers. The Oregon II is rolling, and swaying to the beat of the Gulf.

What number do we fall on the Beaufort scale? Right now, we’re sitting at about a 2—depending on the moment. But it can change quickly.

Video from the galley. What’s our Beaufort Reading?

a table explaining the Beaufort Scale (Estimating Wind Speed and Sea State with Visual Cues.) Beaufort numbers range from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane.) — Beaufort Scale

Just like our environment speaks to us about what’s happening around us, the ship communicates with other seafarers. The Day Shapes on the Oregon II mean something. Different shapes, and combinations of shapes, signal the level of awareness and caution other vessels need to have when approaching.

Different shapes, and combinations of shapes, signal the level of awareness and caution other vessels need to have when approaching.

view up the mast of a line with metal shapes suspended from it — Shapes are tied to Foremast to communicate with other vessels

closer view of three metal shapes suspended in a line from lines against a blue sky. — Shapes are tied to Foremast to communicate with other vessels

Our Day Shapes mean we’re restricted in our ability to maneuver – especially when we are deploying the CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) instrument. Since late in the evening on August 13th, we’ve been laying long lines and conducting CTD’s in 12-hour watches, usually 3-4 sets per watch.

meteorologica map of the Gulf of America from the Windy App showing some storm clouds toward Florida — We are currently the white dot inside the white circle in the storm front.

So those shapes have been up for a while. Other than our current status, wading in the not so velvet Gulf, we’ve been consistently living those shapes.

I already blogged about how we fish using bottom longline gear—I’m going to dive a little deeper into why we do it, what happens after the fish are caught, and what happens after we release them.

I just want to preface this by saying: this is by far one of the most complicated topics I’ve ever tried to teach high school students. Part of my work out here is learning from the people who do this everyday, so I can simplify it and make a complex system of natural resource management engaging for my students—and make it make sense.

Everything I’m sharing below is based on my personal experience learning from the fisheries biologists aboard the Oregon II—whom I’ll introduce in another blog post—as well as digging through NOAA Fisheries and academic resources to add to my understanding. Some of those resources were created with input from the very fisheries biologists on this ship, using the science and data collected during surveys like the one I’m on.

Enjoy.

Fish Hauled – New additions are in red, since last blog post.

As of August 17th As of August 25th
Silky Shark – Carcharhinus falciformis
Sandbar Shark – Carcharhinus plumbeus
Barracuda– Sphyraena barracuda
Speckled hind– Epinephelus drummondhayi
Yellowedge grouper – Hyporthodus flavolimbatus
Red Porgy – Pagrus pagrus
Tiger Shark– Galeocerdo cuvier
Sharpnose shark– Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Gulf Smoothhound – Mustelus sinusmexicanus
Snakefish – Trachinocephalus myops Great Hammerhead shark – Sphyrna mokarran
BlackTip shark – Carcharhinus limbatus
Spotted eel –
Lemon Shark – Negaprion brevirostris
Nurse Shark – Ginglymostoma cirratum
Blacknose shark – Carcharhinus acronotus
Scallaoped Hammerhead – Sphyrna lewini
Click Common Name for for more info

beautiful photo of sunset over the ocean, with streaks of blue and orange — Whats beneath the water and beyond that horizon?

Science and Technology Blog

Often overlooked, forgotten, Oceans and waterways are a massive source of “wild food,” a popular recreational playground, spiritual engagement, an epic research zone, and home to endless stakeholders. What I find most captivating about our ocean—and the complicated relationship humans have with it—is that you can’t see what’s below the surface without incredible precision, science, and a bit of luck and/ or chance.

a view of NOAA Ship Oregon II underway, at a distance, such that the length of the ship is visible. the sky is bright blue with wispy white clouds, and the ocean is glassy enough to reflect the images of the ship and the sky — Oregon II Underway to next fishing station.

The vast ocean covers 70% of Earth, and it’s deeply intertwined with our food, culture, oxygen, weather and climate, the water cycle, and life itself—the mystical, the economical, the spiritual, the recreational, and the scientific—right down to our land. How we manage and use it is vital to us all.

There are endless trenches I could dive into, but I’ll do my best to keep a steady progression in these blogs, cater to the students who will likely be reading this once school starts, and hopefully inspire some of them to explore deeper depths. I know I will—both during this trip and when I return to Brooklyn.

What is a “stock,” and how is it assessed?

First and foremost, a “stock” refers to the population demographics of a species of marine life. Stock assessments are conducted to check abundance and respond accordingly if needed with management strategies.

These assessments are built on the ABCs of a stock: Abundance, Biology, and Catch.

How do you collect data for the ABCs of fisheries science?

There are two types of data collected to assess a stock: fishery-dependent and fishery-independent.

Fishery-independent	Fishery-dependent
Fishery-independent data are collected by biologists on at-sea surveys that keep sampling time, area and gear consistent to gather information on fish stock abundance, biology, and their ecosystem.	Fishery-dependent data are collected directly from recreational and commercial fisheries, and provides landings information (total numbers caught), bycatch (catch that is incidentally caught), and biological details about the fish.

I am currently on a Fishery-Independent survey.

photo of a screen displaying planned ship transects overlaid on a nautical chart filled with depth readings — This a sample of what the day will look like.

Where is Oregon II going?

Being on the open water can get you all spun around. Now add zig-zagging across the Gulf nonstop for 18 days, 24 hours a day—baiting, setting, hauling, and doing science in the blistering heat. It helps that we have charts all over the “dry lab” and around the ship to show us where we are and where we’re headed.

I’m currently on Leg 2 of the survey. This survey has four legs. A leg is a separate time at sea within the overall survey. On each leg, different stations are worked to meet the objectives. The survey runs down the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to West Palm Beach, FL, then transits back around past the Florida Keys and into the Gulf to begin sampling again north of the Dry Tortugas. In the Gulf, data is collected at three different depth strata: the shallowest and closest to the coast (9–55 m), midway (55–183 m), and farther out on the continental shelf (183–366 m)—bouncing back and forth along the shelf as we move up the western coast of Florida.

On my leg, we fish at different stations throughout the eastern Gulf, moving between these depth strata. I wasn’t too far from the coast where some families live. These stations are selected at random, with some structure like the depth strata and geographic areas to help ensure adequate spatial coverage. .

black and white line map of the eastern Gulf of America with green dots showing the sample stations, and a few black square outlines; also bathymetric lines; the sample sites are all in the contours along the coast of Florida, not in the deep Gulf — Green Dots represent areas surveyed, and black squares represent MPAs (Marine Protected Areas)

What is collected and how is it collected?

Catch is identified, measured, weighed, sexed, and often a fin clip is taken. Not all sharks are tagged, but every single one is identified. This part is the hardest for me—accurate identification is critical for collecting data used to assess the stock.

Even though we’re sailing in the Gulf of America, we use meters and Celsius. Standardization across datasets—as well as consistency in methods and results—is essential in science. Accessibility and transferability of data are key for making accurate determinations and ensuring the longevity of the dataset. I often forget that the rest of the world uses the metric system!

See a list of Atlantic and Gulf Sharks NOAA Fisheries.

There are lots of shark species that are easy to tell apart—and others, not so much. For example, there isn’t just one type of hammerhead.

Rob and another member of the science team, both wearing life vests, gloves, and hats, crouch on deck to hold a small shark on a measuring board — Smoothhound Shark ID

I find it so impressive when the fisheries biologists can identify them and then explain the differences to people who aren’t trained in fisheries biology. Major and subtle differences exist, and it takes a trained eye to spot them. The more you see it, the more you can’t unsee it.

a poster of shark anatomy - shared here at a size too small to read - developed by Shark Trust. — Basic Shark anatomy for reference.
Credit Shark Trust.

a line drawing of a generalized finfish showing different standard length measurements — Basic Shark anatomy for reference.
Credit Shark Trust.

To figure out the sex of sharks you look for claspers—males have them, females don’t. Males use their claspers during the reproductive process. And that’s the story of the birds and the fish.

visual guide to identifying male v female sharks with both illustrations and photos of the anal regions. — Identification of sex

We weigh them using a scale, placed in the mouth.

Finally, we remove the hook and let them go. All of this has to be done quickly, and once all the data is collected, we gently return the shark to the water and watch it swim away.

Rob, wearing a life vest, sunglasses, and a hat, poses for a photo holding a roughly 3 foot shark in two hands. he stands on deck. — Ready to release

view over the railing of the ship into dark water; the cradle is just below the water's churning surface, lifting a large shark in motion — Ready to release

Larger sharks are brought up in a cradle on the side of the vessel.

I got to see up close and personal what a hammerhead looks like—and had the privilege of participating in the tagging of this incredible animal. I have to say, I always knew they were real—a sort of mystical sea creature I thought I could only dream of seeing. Well, they’re real, and just as beautiful as I imagined.

Bringing a shark up in the cradle is always an exhilarating experience—being so close to these animals while contributing to both commercial and conservation efforts.

a great hammerhead swimming near the surface of bright blue water — Great Hammerhead we took samples and tagged and released.

great hammerhead swimming near the surface of bright blue water (different direction) — Great Hammerhead we took samples and tagged and released.

Rob sits and a computer desk with a row of small blue-capped sample vials — Processing fin clips

Genetic samples (fin clips) are taken to a lab back on shore, where Texas A&M geneticists catalog and store them for future use and species-specific research projects.

For other fish, we collect eye lenses, fin clips, and otoliths.

All of these methods—and the data collected—help inform the preservation, conservation, and management of these species for both commercial and recreational purposes.

Retrieving samples from Red Grouper
inside the eye lies a lenses
close up of red grouper eye lenses
Preserving eye lenses from red grouper
Sample of Fin Clip
Otolith is the ear bone from fish
Ear bone from fish can help age it
Close up of Otolith
Preserving Otoliths
Red Grouper; eye lenses, fin clip, and otolith.

But why is this collected?

A colleague and mentor from New York Harbor School—a Teacher at Sea alum on NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson years ago— told me he was confused about what I was doing; what is the research question he asked?

The research questions can change depending on the needs of a particular species and or direction of particular research bodies. This data is collected to help manage the stocks of shark species and red snapper. The fisheries data collected on the Oregon II is included in regional stock assessments. After the stock assessment team reviews all the available data for a given species, scientific models can be developed which can then contribute to federal stock management in the region.

This survey has been happening year after year—for more than 25 years.

So, what’s going on with sharks today?

The famous summer blockbuster based on the book the Peter Benchley, Jaws Novel, instilled fear among people about sharks and was a catalyst to increased fishing for sharks – specifically white sharks – contributing to overfishing. For two decades following the release, lack of knowledge and fear, led to effects on the shark fishery.

a gif from the movie Jaws, when the shark jumps up on the back of the insufficiently large boat — “Think we are gonna need a bigger boat?”

“Jaws spearheaded a “collective testosterone rush” among fishers in the East Coast of the United States, leading thousands to hunt sharks for sport, as George Burgess, former director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, told the BBC in 2015. In the years following the film’s release, the number of large sharks in the waters east of North America declined by about 50 percent. “

Sharks are fished for several reasons: sport, commercial products, food, and scientific research.

Over the course of this immersion with scientists aboard the Oregon II, I’ve grown to love these animals and feel far less fear around them. Now, does that mean I’m going to go swimming with sharks off Long Island or in NYC? Not without a trained biologist like the ones I’m working with on the Oregon II!

A long time fear of these apex predators, has been sort of a commercial enterprise. Go to any water park and you will see a shark necklace. I think I even swam with sharks at Disney World Blizzard Beach, now that I think about it, sort of a weird thing. Baby shark is all over the airwaves and streaming services. I think we underestimate how cultural influences affect our view of our environment and its inhabitants. Sometimes, culture seeps into our consciousness.

top-down view of a sandbar shark swimming away from the shark cradle in bright blue water — Sandbar shark swimming after being tagged.

top-down view of a sandbar shark swimming away in bright blue water — Sandbar shark swimming after being tagged.

I’ve stayed humbled and fascinated by these animals every single day of this experience.

Keep in mind, I’m just talking about federally managed fish in federal waters. To further complicate the matter there are also, States and/ or international law involved too. Sharks are managed federally under the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) classification.

Fishing and other human activities have influenced the species started in these fisheries, and the data has helped show these shifts over time. Hence the complicated, but necessary interconnections of science, policy, conservation, economics and stewardship. What adds to more a complicated scenario, generally sharks (relative to say many bony fish) are longer lived, take longer to mature and reproduce fewer young so that overfishing can have larger deleterious effects on their populations.

black and white photo of two men in suits sitting at a desk and conversing with one another. nameplates identify Mr. Stevens on the left and Mr. Magnuson on the right. — *U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Warren Magnuson (D-WA), 1973. Credit: Ted Stevens Foundation*

The primary law that manages fisheries is the Magnuson Stevenson Act. The main purpose of the act was to establish sustainable and economically viable U.S. fisheries. Major components to establish this directive are as follows; Preventing overfishing, Rebuilding overfished stocks, Increasing long-term economic and social benefits, Ensuring a safe and sustainable supply of seafood, Protecting habitat that fish need to spawn, breed, feed, and grow to maturity.

NOAA Fisheries graphic on Science-Based Management Tools: Stock Assessments, Annual Quotas, Size Limits, Retention Limits, Gear Restrictions, Area Closures, Retention Bans, Reporting Requirements, Naturally Attached Fin Requirement, Strong Enforcement. — Science-Based Management Tools

Much of the management of sharks in the Gulf are in line with the Magnuson Stevenson Act. There are a variety of methods that contribute to managing a species.

Due to surveys such as the one I am sailing on, and a science-based management approach, some shark stocks have even experienced population growth including:

Atlantic sharpnose
Atlantic blacktip
Sandbar
Spiny dogfish
Tiger
White

However, there are some species that aren’t as positive a story and need protection. Below is a list of sharks that are Prohibited from being caught in the U.S Atlantic, the Gulf, and Caribbean. Moreover, there are tools to help mitigate harm to these animals if an unintended catch (bycatch) occurs.

Below is a list of Prohibited Sharks in U.S Atlantic, the Gulf, and Caribbean. Moreover, there are tools to help mitigate harm if bycatch occurs. Bycatch occurs when you catch something that wasn’t what you are targeting.

Prohibited Shark ID Placard Download

It’s important to note that regulations exist for both commercial and recreational fisheries. However, in all fisheries that harvest sharks, no fins can be harvested at sea. Animals must come intact (fins naturally attached) to shore then can be harvested along with the entire animal. Finning has been illegal in US waters since 1993, with further protection enacted in 2000 and 2010.

Fin-Sales-Act-FAQsDownload

Commercial Regulations

Recreational Regulations

Fin-Sales-Act-FAQs Download

Commercial Regulations

Recreational Regulations

Over time, if stocks replenish, species can be removed from the “no-fish” list. Conversely, if stocks dwindle, actions will be taken. Data is critical for making these decisions. It’s common for people to think that “overfished” means extinct. There are actually different classifications for fish populations. There’s a difference between extinction and being threatened, based on definitions in the Endangered Species Act.

An important concept for fisheries management and stock assessment is maximum sustainable yield—the maximum catch a species can sustain over time. It’s the amount of fish that can be harvested from a source, which will allow adequate reproduction and replacement. This is why research is done like the stuff down on the Oregon II and other ships in the NOAA fisheries fleet, the data helps make that decision. Fishermen need fish to make money, folks want fish to eat, and the environment needs to have the fish. Complicated.

Although complicated, data driven management has been proved to support growth of some shark species. Check out the cool story of the white shark slowly making a comeback after years of overfishing: White Shark Recovery.

In addition look at the timeline of shark fisheries; fishing, science, conservation, and policy.

two maps of the waters south of Long Island. the top map shows trajectories of 8 tagged white sharks, represented as dots (location pings) connected by straight lines. the bottom map replaces the individual pings with a heat map color-coding areas by ping frequency. there is a red hot spot adjacent to the eastern end of Long Island — First insights into the movements of young-of-the-year white sharks (*Carcharodon carcharias*) in the western North Atlantic Ocean Scientific Reports ( 2018)

What’s even more delicate and fascinating, the white shark nursery is in waters not far from NYC. Several researchers are tracking white sharks and their nursery habitats and juvenile behavior. They tagged and tracked 8 sharks and tracked their movement. You can see from their data where they are most frequent; red being the highest concentration, and light blue being the least during the months of August to October. This really shows the interconnection between the Hudson canyon, Long Island and our coastal harbors of NYC. All happening under the nose of the big city. The sharks are making it to the Hudson Canyon, which is approximately over 100 miles from NYC and filled with biological diversity.

Link to full paper.

Personal Log

We started talking today about when we’ll head back to port, and honestly, it made me a little sad that this trip is almost over. I had one day where I got really homesick—started missing Clara and the cat. A quick FaceTime fixed that and reminded me to stay present. Lately, school emails have started coming in too, so I guess I finally get what people mean by the “dog days of summer.”

The past few days have been a mix. Some hauls were pretty boring, and the weather’s been rough. But I don’t mind rough seas—kind of makes me feel salty, like a real mariner. Plus, the clouds have been a blessing, giving us some relief from the heat. And then came the set that changed everything: we brought up a tiger shark and a big sandbar in the cradle. That got my energy back in a hurry.

a person kneels near a fish measuring board to grasp the head of a tiger shark with two gloved hands safely behind its jaws — Taking hook out of Tiger Shark

Rob, wearing a life vest and gloves, looks on as two other science team members work together to weigh a tiger shark on a hanging fish scale — Taking hook out of Tiger Shark

Even on slow days, there’s a silver lining—it gives you time to really talk to people. Lately, we’ve been making our own fun with games like “find the rubber sharks” and a ship-wide murder mystery. I’ve already been “killed” and found 3 out of 20 sharks. When I’m not blogging or doing science, we’re in the lab playing Overcooked or Mario Kart. I wish I could say I’m crushing it, but that’d be a lie—at least for now. Maybe my luck will turn around. Out here, you need fun built in. Otherwise, the downtime will drive you nuts.

I’ve been working on listening more. It’s been cool. Folks here are curious about the Teacher-at-Sea guy from Brooklyn, and I’m just as curious about people from Mississippi doing shark stuff. The deck crew and engineering crew seem to be from all over, its awesome how all these people are on this ship to participate in this work. Clara would be proud—I’ve been asking more questions than talking about myself.

We’ve been sharing music too, and jamming during sets/ hauls. These folks are definitely not Phish fans, so I’ve had to dig into my youth and other playlists. I got one Phish studio track played—just one. Our watch leader Kristin was taking requests, and when I said Five Years, she laughed and asked, “Is it five years long?” It’s been fun shaking up my musical listening. New Orleans came up in convo, I forgot the geography of the Gulf area to NOLA—and that I actually lived and taught there in a season of my life. I have found memories of the food and culture of this area, it’s nice to relate to folks that enjoy it more frequently. One of these days, I’ll be back. Moe. is playing Halloween, Clara—what do you think?

I’ve also started talking to folks outside my watch crew. Turns out, it’s a small world out here. Some of these people are just a few degrees away from me in the environmental education world. We even know some of the same people. A couple of us have been in the same place at the same time before and didn’t even know it. One guy almost went to Harbor School but chose another path—still ended up working on ships like he wanted. Wild how that happens. The more I think about it, the more I realize: there are a lot of people out there doing wild things, and somehow, you bump into each other.

This blog was tough to write. There are so many directions to go. But at its core, it’s simple: people do science, and policymakers use that science to make decisions—especially about natural resources. Moreover, fingers crossed . For me, these blogs and this whole experience are filling in gaps in my own learning. They’re helping me figure out how to teach this stuff to my Harbor students in a real, meaningful way. Honestly, every paragraph here could be a lesson. Some could even turn into a whole unit. Maybe even a year-long course. The gears are turning.

Who knew I’d get this into sharks? It’s crazy how much we know—and how much we don’t—at the same time. A teacher at school is always saying playing science vs. real science, I wonder what he classifies this as. This experience makes me feel special, it’s been nice to see all the comments and folks have been reaching out to see how it’s going. It’s a good feeling when people are interested in what you are doing. I am glad to be tagging along with the crew on this ship, and it’s nice to highlight what they do is important and special. Waiting on the students to be interested, maybe I will let them have the dog days of summer. I see some of my students doing things like this in their future.

Animal Sighting:

view up at a brown bird flying overhead through bright blue sky — Brown Booby flying over the deck

Brown Booby ( Sula leucogaster)

Brown Booby flying over the deck

Brown Booby ( Sula leucogaster)

Seabirds that don’t nest in the U.S. but are seen flying in the gulf and visiting Caribbean and Florida.

Natty Brown, with yellow-bill, white underneath its wings. This one is a juvenile, as it hasn’t developed its color yet.

I thought this was a frigatebird at first, they are very different. Especially, the wings on the Booby are smooth, where is the wings on the frigatebird are sharp and lines.

Did you know?

photo a rusted plaque that reads R.V. Oregon II. Designed by R. H. Macy for U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. Built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. A Division of Litton Industries. Pascagoula, Mississippi 1967. — Once Built for Bureau of Commercial Fisheries

Prior to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) there was the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is part of the Department of Commerce and was created in 1970.

Early on the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had a contest of what the logo should be. Below are the candidates from 1970.

The candidates for NOAA

Dr. Robert White, NOAA’s first administrator, gave employees a choice. A year after they all were introduced, number one was chosen to show the interconnections between Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and ecosystems.

Dr. White stated: “A white, gull-like form links the atmosphere to the sea or Earth. The Earth and atmosphere and the interrelationships between the two are, of course, major concerns of NOAA. The line defining the top of the gull’s wings also resembles the trough of a foaming ocean wave against the blue sky. A creature of sea, land, and air, the gull adds an ecological touch to the Earth-sky motif.”

NOAA emblem; dark blue sky, white seagull, light blue water. — Winning Logo from 1971, still used today.

References

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2025). Brown Booby overview. All About Birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Booby/overview

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2025). All about birds. Cornell Lab. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Magnificent_Frigatebird/overview

Curtis, T. H., Metzger, G., Fischer, C., et al. (2018). First insights into the movements of young-of-the-year white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Scientific Reports, 8(10794). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29180-5

Germain, J. (2022, December 20). Steven Spielberg regrets how Jaws impacted real-world sharks. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/steven-spielberg-regrets-how-jaws-impacted-real-world-sharks-180981335/

JetStream Max: Wind and sea scales. (2023, September 22). National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

National Weather Service & National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Estimating wind speed and sea state: Beaufort scale.

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-a). Atlantic highly migratory species. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/shark-identification-cooperative-shark-1

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-b). Atlantic shark fisheries management highlights: A timeline. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable-fisheries/atlantic-shark-fisheries-management-highlights-timeline

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-c). Endangered species conservation. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/endangered-species-conservation

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-d). Population assessments and fish stocks. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/population-assessments/fish-stocks

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-e). Shark management laws. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/laws-policies/shark-management-laws

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-f). Understanding Atlantic shark fishing. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-atlantic-shark-fishing

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.-g). Understanding population assessments. Population assessments. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-population-assessments

NOAA Fisheries. (2014, September 7). White shark recovery [Podcast]. In On the Line. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/podcast/white-shark-recovery#!

NOAA Fisheries. (2020, August 7). Are all U.S. sharks overfished? NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/are-all-us-sharks-overfished

NOAA Fisheries Outreach and Education & Northeast Fisheries Science Center. (2025, August 11). Fun facts about shocking sharks. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/outreach-and-education/fun-facts-about-shocking-sharksNOAA Office of Communications. (n.d.). About the NOAA emblem and logo. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.noaa.gov/office-of-communication/about-noaa-emblem-and-logo

July 29, 2019July 30, 2019

David Madden: Otolithia and The Tragedy of the Commons, July 27, 2019

NOAA Teacher at Sea

David Madden

Aboard NOAA Ship Pisces

July 15-29, 2019

Mission: South East Fishery-Independent Survey (SEFIS)

Geographic Area of Cruise: Atlantic Ocean, SE US continental shelf ranging from Cape Hatteras, NC (35°30’ N, 75°19’W) to St. Lucie Inlet, FL (27°00’N, 75°59’W)

On board off the coast of North Carolina – about 45 miles east of Wilmington, NC (34°18’ N, 77°4’ W)

Date: July 27, 2019

Weather Data from the Bridge:

Latitude: 34°18’ N
Longitude: 77°4’ W
Wave Height: 3-4 feet
Wind Speed: 6.68 knots
Wind Direction: 42°
Visibility: 10 nm
Air Temperature: 28.0°C
Barometric Pressure: 1022.4 mb
Sky: Partly cloudy

Science and Technology Log

Today, with the help of friends Zeb and Todd, I’d like to take a deep dive into the mission of this cruise. Starting with the fish work up process aboard Pisces, first explained in blog #3. Below is a picture flowchart I drew up to help visualize what’s going on.

NOAA Fish Protocol (color) — NOAA SEFIS Fish Survey Protocol

This sequential process is rather straight forward following steps 1-8, rinse (the gear) and repeat. It’s the before and after; what comes before step 1 and after step 8, that’s important; How and where is the data used. If you follow along into steps 9, 10, 11… you start with the laboratory analysis of the biological samples – otoliths and gonads – used to age the fish, and determine reproductive activity and spawning seasons, respectively. This information is vital to proper management of fisheries. Here’s why.

This cruise, and SEFIS in general, originally came into existence because of red snapper. Scientists determined around 2009 that the red snapper population in the SE Atlantic was at historically low levels. Strict regulations were put in place to help the species rebound. This on its own was a good measure, but only one step. In order to assess the effect of the regulations, scientists would have to monitor the abundance of red snapper in the region. However, charting changes in abundance would not be enough with this species (or with many others) due to the nature of its life cycle and reproduction. See, all populations have a natural age structure balance. This includes species specific traits – like its survivorship curve (how likely it is for an individual to die at different points in their life – for red snapper and many other reef-associated species it’s incredibly high at their larval and juvenile stages). It also includes pertinent developmental characteristics such as when the species is reproductively mature. Like many similar fish, older, mature red snapper have greatly increased reproductive potential, also known as fecundity. So while the population has been bouncing back in terms of numbers, the number of older, mature, more fecund fish is still considerably lower than historical levels; thus the population is still recovering. *this information is gathered from the data collected by scientist here on our SEFIS mission, and others like them.

The next step is to share this data with other scientists who will then, in conjunction with other information on the species, analyze the data and bring the results and conclusions of their analyses to policy makers (FYI, the government is moving towards making governmentally gathered scientific data available to the public). Discussion ensues, and climbs the political decision-making-ladder until allowable catch regulations are determined. Florida fishers, check here for your current snapper regulations or maybe this Fish Rules app will help. Fish safe, my friends!

Morning Crew — Morning crew: Mike, Dave, Brad, Me, Todd, Oscar the Octopus, Mike, Zeb

Macabre medieval cutlery? Or otolith extraction gear?

Ultimately this is a tricky and tangled issue of sustainability. Commercial fishermen are understandably upset, as this can threaten their livelihood. Although real, this concern is inherently short sighted, as their long term earnings depend on healthy and robust populations, and ecosystems. The difficult part is to gather the necessary scientific data (very challenging, especially for marine organisms) and marry that to the many financial, social, and political concerns. Comment below with thoughts and suggestions. And while you’re at it, here’s a lovely and quick (fish-related) tutorial overview of this situation in general – the tragedy of the commons – and the challenges of managing our resources.

A quick note about otoliths. Within the fish processing protocol (above) – the most satisfying part is otolith extraction. On board competitions abound: people vie for first chair (the spot in the lab that’s the coolest and best lit) and for the sharpest knives and scissors. Much like a wild west showdown, most important is fastest extraction times. Dave H opts for the classic chisel-through-the-gills technique, while the rest of us opt for the saw-through-the-skull-with-a-knife-and-crack-the-head-open-just-behind-the-eyes technique. While Brad looks to perform the “double-extraction” – both otoliths removed in the tweezers at the same time, I look to perform the please-don’t-slice-my-hand-open extraction. The quest for otoliths is usually straight forward. But sometimes an ill-sliced cut can leave you digging for the tiny ear bones forever.

This leaves us with: Why otoliths? These tiny little ear bones help function in the fish’s vestibular system. That’s a fancy way of saying the balance and orientation system of the fish. They help vertebrates detect movement and acceleration, and they help with hearing. These little bones help you determine your head and body orientation – turn your head sideways, it’s your otoliths who will send the message. All vertebrates, including you, gentle reader, have them. This makes me wonder if folks with exceptional balance and proprioception and court awareness have bigger otoliths? Fish requiring more balance, those that sit and wait to hunt vs. those that swim predominantly in straight lines, have bigger otoliths.

Otoliths are made of layered calcium carbonate (side question – does ocean acidification impact otolith formation? Like it does with other calcium carbonate structures in the ocean?) The fish secretes new layers as it ages: thicker layers during good times, thinner layers during lean times – correlated with summer and winter seasonality – just like with tree rings. Once you dig out the otoliths, they can be analyzed by on-shore scientists who slice ‘em in half and take a really thin slice, deli-meat-style. Voila! You can then count up the rings to tell how old the fish is.

Fish Otolith — From Andrews et al 2019, published in the Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research: Illustration of a red snapper (top right), a photo of a red snapper otolith (top left), and an image of a cross-section of that otolith (bottom) http://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/fulltext/MF18265

cod otolith — From Hardie and Hutchings 2011, published in the journal Arctic: A cross-section of the sagittal otolith of an Atlantic cod.

Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255711740_The_Ecology_of_Atlantic_Cod_Gadus_morhua_in_Canadian_Arctic_Lakes

Black sea bass otoliths with fingers for size comparison. Photos from Dave Hoke

Fish Count July 25th — Yesterday’s Fish Count.

Personal Log:

I’ve been continuing my work aboard the Pisces. Lately the focus has been on conversations with scientists and ship personnel. The source of most of today’s blog came primarily from conversations with Zeb and Todd. They were both super helpful and patient in communicating the goals and mission of this cruise and SEFIS. I’m also trying to contribute some things that might be useful to the NOAA scientists after the cruise is completed, and things that will be helpful to my students now and during the school year – like the drawings and diagrams, along with some upcoming videos (topics include: CTD color and pressure, Underwater footage featuring a tiger shark and hammerhead shark, Waves, All Hands on Deck, and a general cruise video).

The food and mood of the cruise continues to be good. * note: my salad eating has taken a hit with the expiration of spinach and leafy greens – it’s amazing they lasted as long as they did – the stewards, Rey and Dana, are amazing!

General Updates:

The other night I had my first bit of troubled sleeping. The seas were roaring! Actually, just about 6 feet. But it was enough to rock the boat and keep me from falling asleep. It was almost a hypnic jerk every time the ship rolled from one side to the other. Special sensations for when my head dipped below my feet.
Two more book recommendations: a. Newberry Book Award Winner: Call it Courage, by Armstrong Sperry. I loved this book as a little boy. I did a book report on it in maybe the 2^nd or 3^rd grade. I spent more time drawing the cover of the report than I did writing it. B. A few years ago I read The Wave, by Susan Casey. Great book about the science of waves and also the insane culture of big wave surfers.
I haven’t seen all that much lately in terms of cool biodiversity. The traps did catch some cute swimming crabs, a lionfish, and a pufferfish. * more below.
Zeb won the Golden Sombrero Award the other day. This is a momentous achievement awarded to a chief scientist after six consecutive empty fish traps!
Lauren crafted us an extra special tie-dye octopus named Oscar. He’s wearing the Golden Sombrero in the photo above.
Only 2.5 days till I’m back home. Can’t wait to see my family.

Neato Facts =

Back to general update #3 and today’s neato fact. Both lionfish and pufferfish are toxic. But are they poisonous? Or venomous? Wait. What’s the difference? Both poisons and venoms are characterized as toxins, and often they are used interchangeably. The distinction lies in the means of entry into your body. Venoms get into you via something sharp – you’re either bitten with fangs or stung with stingers or spines. Examples include our friend the lionfish, snakes, and bees. Poisons, conversely, get into you when you eat it. Examples include pufferfish, poison dart frogs,

Here’s a simple way to remember: Injection = Venom, Ingestion = Poison. Click these links for interesting lists of poisonous animals, poisonous plants, and venomous animals.

Lionfish and Pufferfish — Lionfish (Venomous) and Pufferfish (Poisonous). Injection = Venom, Ingestion = Poison http://www.peakpx.com/487337/lion-fish-and-blue-puffer-fish

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

July 20, 2017

Sian Proctor: It’s Getting Fishy, July 20, 2017

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Sian Proctor

Aboard NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson

July 2 – 22, 2017

Mission: Gulf of Alaska Pollock Survey

Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of Alaska

Date: July 20, 2017

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 57° 47.02 N
Longitude: 152° 24.56 W
Time: 1700
Sky: Overcast
Visibility: 2 nautical miles
Wind Direction: variable
Wind Speed: Knots
Sea Wave Height: 0 foot swell
Barometric Pressure: 994 millibars
Sea Water Temperature: 11.9° C
Air Temperature: 12.2° C

Science and Technology Log: It’s Getting Fishy!

Alaska pollock are found in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska and are part of the cod family. The dorsal side of the pollock is speckled brown in color with a slight olive green hue and the ventral side is silver. They eat krill, copepods, and small fish – mainly their own offspring. They quickly grow into adults, reaching reproductive age after 3-4 years, and are very fertile, replacing harvested fish in just a few years. Pollock swim in large schools during the day and disperse overnight. They can be found throughout the water column, but young pollock tend to live in the mid-water region while the older fish tend to live near the sea floor.

Alaska_Pollock_-_source_NOAA_fishwatch.gov Science-based monitoring and management play a key role in the sustainability of the Alaska pollock fishery. It is managed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council based on data provided by the NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center. The Alaska pollock fishery is the largest, by volume, in the United States and one of the most valuable in the world. Products made from pollock include fish fillet, roe eggs, and imitation crab. The entire industry is valued at over a billion dollars. It is also considered one of the best-managed fisheries in the world. Scientists from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center conduct acoustic trawl surveys to estimate the abundance of Alaska pollock using acoustics and by catching small samples.

While on NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson I had the opportunity to spend time in the fish lab learning how pollock data are collected.. This video is an example of what I experienced.

The main way commercial pollock is caught in the United States is by net. Scientifically trained observers are sent out on U.S. pollock fishing boats and, similar to the NOAA scientists, they collect sample data from each catch and send it back to NOAA. They also observe the fishing practices on the boat and report any regulatory infractions. All the collected data and interactions between the fishing industry and NOAA have been established to make sure the Alaska pollock fishery remains sustainable.

NOAA Opportunities for students: https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/education/students/careers.htm

Interview with Michael Martin

Fisheries Biologist

Official Title
- Deputy Director
Normal Job Duties
- Leadership and administration of the Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division within Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC)
What is your current position on Oscar Dyson?
- Fish lab biologist
How long have you been working on Oscar Dyson?
- of and on for ~ 10 years
Why the ocean? What made you choose a career at sea?
- I loved exploring sea creatures a the beach as a kid; Jacques Cousteau.
What is your favorite thing about going to sea on Oscar Dyson?
- Getting out of the office; Seeing amazing scientists do their work and getting to participate.
Why is your work (or research) important?
- The information we collect plays a very important role in managing fisheries in Alaska, providing economic and food security for many people. We also do tremendous research that benefits the science community and subsequently people world-wide. We are among the leaders in understanding fish and invertebrate abundance and behavior in the world.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
- I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do if I grow up! Probably between 10 and 13 years old I developed an interest in the ocean.
What part of your job with NOAA (or contracted to NOAA) did you least expect to be doing?
- Dealing with bureaucracy.
What are some of the challenges with your job?
- Leading a group of scientists is, in some ways, like herding a group of very intelligent cats. They are very focused on their research and have very strong opinions about things that they feel could detract their ability to do the best job possible. This can be a challenge for me at times, but is a great problem to have!
What are some of the rewards with your job?
- Being able to facilitate scientists and help them accomplish their goals is very rewarding.
Describe a memorable moment at sea.
- Rescuing a family in a life raft that had been missing for 3+ days.

Interview with Meredith Emery

Fisheries Biologist

Official Title
- Survey Technician
Normal Job Duties
- As Survey Technicians, our primary responsibility is to monitor and maintain fisheries and oceanographic equipment. In addition, we have to run and verify the Scientific Computer System (SCS) is collecting quality data and all the ship’s sensors connected to SCS are working properly. We also are the liaison between scientists and the crew members, and assist the scientists with any part of their research. Survey Technicians have the unique opportunity to participate in all aspects of the fisheries or oceanographic operation start to finish. During the fishing operations: 1. Scientist communicates to the people on the bridge, deck and survey technicians when they are going to fishing. 2. We put the fishing equipment on the net, as the net is casting out. 3. Assist the scientists log net dimension data when the net is in the water. 4. As the net is being recovered, we retrieve all the fishing equipment. 5. We help the deck with emptying the catch on the fish table, when needed. 6. Lastly, which is my favorite part, is when we get to assist the scientists collect biological fish samples in the wet lab. During oceanographic operations we are in charge of deploying and recovering the equipment (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD)). In addition we verify all the sensors on the CTD are presenting quality real time data. From the CTD we can collect water samples that can be used for several studies, like salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, or micro plankton. We are able to see the operations in action, understand the importance of the research through the science perspective and ultimately know the reason the Oscar Dyson is in the middle of the Gulf of Alaska.
What is your current position on Oscar Dyson?
- I am one of two Survey Technicians on the Oscar Dyson.
How long have you been working on Oscar Dyson?
- I have been working on the Oscar Dyson about 10 months.
Why the ocean? What made you choose a career at sea?
- My fascination for the ocean started when I was young playing with the anemones on the rocky intertidal beach. I’ve always enjoyed being at the beach and seeing the organisms there. I became curious of life at sea and really wanted to see the marine wild life in action, especially when the ice first melts and there is a high abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton that attracts marine mammals, birds and fish to migrate there. Being on the Oscar Dyson, I was able to observe the fluctuation between high abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton or fish, depending on the area and time of year.
What is your favorite thing about going to sea on Oscar Dyson?
- I enjoy seeing the scenery. Like the untouched lands, glaciers, marine wild life; the fishes, mammals or birds. Also I like seeing the endless blue of the ocean, especially calm weather. Really puts the vastness of the ocean in perspective.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in science or an ocean career?
- The reason I pursued a career in studying the ocean is because I come to realize that people take the ocean for granted and don’t recognize how much we depend on it. I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology emphasis marine. One of my favorite college courses was oceanography. It was the first time for me to see the connection between geology, physics, chemistry and biology in one scenario like in the ocean processes. Each component relies on the other. First the geological features of the ocean floor and land masses influences the physics of the current flow, wave motion, and up-welling. Then the ocean movement determines the mixing and distribution of the water chemistry. Finally the biodiversity, location, and populations of marine organisms rely on the water chemistry, like nutrients or dissolved oxygen.

Personal Log

I really enjoyed learning about the variety of sea creatures in the Gulf of Alaska. Here is a video showing a few of the sea creatures I encountered. Totally amazing!

Education Tidbit: FishWatch Website

Another cool resources is the Fishwatch website. Here you can learn more information about sustainable fisheries and the science behind the fish we eat. It is worth checking out!

Did You Know?

Did you know that fresh pollock have a very distinctive smell that isn’t like any other fish? It’s not fishy – more like dirty feet!

June 21, 2017

Terry Maxwell: Making Models and Memories, June 20, 2017

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Terry Maxwell

Aboard R/V Hugh R. Sharp

June 6 – 21, 2017

Mission: Sea Scallop Survey
Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 20, 2017

Weather Data from the Bridge
Latitude: 41 18.06 N
Longitude: 68 42.35
Wind Speed: 20.3 knots
Air Temperature: 15.3 C

Science and Technology Log

I’ve had a lot of people ask “So what is the purpose of this trip?” I thought it would be fitting to answer that question in this last blog from sea. I’ve explained the process of collecting the data out here at sea. I’ve explained the technology and methods we’ve used to collect it. But the logical question now is, what happens once this data has been collected?

I’ve had the pleasure serving on the second half of this trip with NOAA Mathematical Biologist, Dvora Hart. Dvora is the lead scientist for the scallop fishery. She is well known in the New England area for her work with scallop fisheries. To many of you in the Midwest, scallops may not seem like a big deal, but did you know that scallops are the second largest commercial fishery market in America? In 2016 scallops were a 485 million dollar industry. They are second only to the lobster market in terms of commercial fisheries value.

NOAA has been completing scallop surveys with lined dredges since 1978. The methods have changed over the years as the technology and research methods have advanced, and these methods have yielded success. However the scallop fisheries have not always been as plentiful as they are now. In 1994 several measures were put in place to help a struggling scallop fishery. The changes were larger dredge rings so smaller scallops would pass through, less crew members on board a vessel, and sections of one of the most productive fisheries in the Atlantic, Georges Bank, would be closed for portions of time to scallop fishermen.

These kind of changes come from a Regional Fisheries Management Council. This council has appointed members from the governors of the New England states involved, head of NOAA Greater Atlantic Fisheries gets a seat, and then 3 more members from each state are nominated. The end result is 19 members who make up this council to decide how to best run a variety of commercial marine organisms in the Northeast Atlantic. There is also a technical committee, which advises this council. This is where Dvora Hart and the data from the scallop survey come in.

habcam survey charts — Data from the HabCam surveys are very effective at adding a layer of depth to the knowledge of the population of scallops in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean.

The scallop survey, which started May 16^th, has been meticulously planned out by NOAA Fisheries. The area where the scallop survey has been preformed has been broken up into regions called strata. These strata areas are determined by their depth and their general geographical area. Once scallops are collected in a strata, a weighted mean, a size frequency, shell heights, and a mean number of scallops of each size category are taken. From the meat weights that were collected, a total biomass of scallops for the area is taken. There is a relationship between the meat weight and the shell height which gives researches an idea of the total biomass of scallops in the area. At any given depth there is a conversion of shell height to meat weight. These numbers can be plugged into software which can model the biomass for an area.

Scallop biomass modeling from the 2016 survey.

All of the data collected during the NOAA scallop survey is combined with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) scallop survey. Dvora and the NOAA scientists created forecasting models for 19 different areas in the Northeast Atlantic. Forecasts are made using the predicted biomass for the strata areas, by aging the samples of scallop shells collected, fishing mortality (amount of caught by fishermen), and natural mortality rates. Models are then created to forecast 15 years out to predict the consequences of fishing an area heavy. Dvora is part of a technical team that advises the Regional Fisheries Management Council using the data collected in this survey and the models her and her team have created. Scallop fisheries are very healthy currently due to the data collected, data interpreted, and models created by NOAA scientists, commercial fishermen, and Regional Fisheries Management Council.

Personal Log
These 16 days have been quite an experience. I’d like to share just 5 of the more memorable moments from this trip.

5. Amazing sites of nature. What a unique experience to be out only surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean for over two weeks. I’ve seen so many awe inspiring moments. Sun rises, sun sets, full moons over the ocean in a clear sky, rainbows that span the horizon, thousands of stars in the sky, and thick ominous fog which lasts for 24 hours. Truly once in a life time sights.

Only caught one sun rise, but it was beautiful.

Most nights there was an amazing sun set.

Huge rainbow after a storm.

Picture doesn’t do the full moon nights on the ship.

4. The 12 hour shifts. Whether it was running the Habcam and joking around with the crew while we watched computer screens for 12 hours or working the dredge station in all kinds of conditions, the work was fun. Being out on the deck working the dredge was my favorite type of work. To be out in the open air was awesome regardless of how hard the work was. The last day the waters were crazy as we worked on the deck.

I was able to be the “cutter” in the lab and shuck the scallops to be prepared for weighing and preserving.

I was given the ability to “start and event” and communicate with the crane workers running the dredge.

3. The awesome animals that came up in the dredge. Too many pictures to post here, but my favorite animal was the goosefish. That fish looked like it wanted to take a bite out of your arm even if it was out of water. Such an awesome animal.

Seeing these goosefish come out of the dredge never got old. Such an amazing fish.

2. The awesome animals that would come near the boat. Crew members saw whales, dolphins, sharks, sunfish, and mola mola. Though my favorite was my first day out when the humpback whales surrounded the boat, the dolphins riding by the boat is was a close second.

One of our last days a group of about 4 dolphins followed the ship for about 10 minutes.

1. General life about the Hugh R. Sharp. What a great group of people to be with for 16 days. I felt accepted and looked out for the whole time I was here. Mike Saminsky dropping what he was doing the first day I got to the ship to show me around and grab some dinner, TR sharing his hidden stash of snacks with me, a variety of crew members trying to help me through my sea sickness, and every body on the cruise allowing me to ask questions and interview them. Just the general down time and laughs had will be very memorable.

General life aboard the *Hugh R. Sharp* will be a lasting memory for me.

Thank you to the people of NOAA, the Hugh R. Sharp, my wife and kids (Hannah you are amazing for shouldering the extra load at home!), and family, friends, and students that followed the blog at home. This has been an experience of a lifetime, and I’m grateful to all of you who made it possible. Specific thanks to my work crew chief Nicole Charriere who was an awesome leader during this cruise. I learned a lot about how to lead a group watching her. Thank you to Larry Brady and Jonathan Duquette the Chief scientists for this cruise. Their organization and decision making made this a smooth experience for me. Thank you to Katie Sowers, Emily Susko, Jennifer Hammond, and Huthaifah Khatatbeh for help with the trip arrangements and all of my blog questions, you all made this experience much easier.

Did You Know?

I will travel over 1,000 miles to go home today. Yes that’s crazy to me. But I have traveled over 1,000 nautical miles on the Hugh R. Sharp since this cruise has began.

August 7, 2015August 21, 2021

Kathleen Gibson, Conservation: Progress and Sacrifice, August 6, 2015

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Kathleen Gibson
Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II
July 25 – August 8, 2015

Mission: Shark Longline Survey
Geographic Area of the Cruise: Atlantic Ocean off the Florida and Carolina Coast
Date: Evening, Aug 6,2015

Coordinates:
LAT 3035.997 N
LONG 8105.5449 W

Weather Data from the Bridge:
Wind speed (knots): 6.8
Sea Temp (deg C): 28.3
Air Temp (deg C): 28.9

I’ve now had the chance to see at least 9 different shark species, ranging from 1 kg to over 250 kg and I’ve placed tags on 4 of the larger sharks that we have caught. These numbered tags are inserted below the shark’s skin, in the region of the dorsal fin. A small piece from one of the smaller fins is also clipped off for DNA studies and we make sure to record the tag number. If a shark happens to be recaptured in the future, the information gathered will be valuable for population and migration studies. The video below shows the process.

Tagging a Nurse Shark Photo: Ken Wilkinson — *Tagging a nurse shark.*
Photo: Ken Wilkinson

After checking that the tag is secure, I gave the shark a pat. I agree with Tim Martin’s description that it’s skin feels like a roughed-up basketball.

We’ve had a busy couple of days. The ship is further south now, just off the coast of Florida, and today we worked three stations. The high daytime temperatures and humidity make it pretty sticky on deck but there are others on board working in tougher conditions.

Many thanks to Jack Standfast for the engine room tour.

Yesterday, during a brief period of downtime, I took the opportunity to go down to the engine room. Temperatures routinely exceed 103 ^oF, and noise levels require hearing protection. My inner Industrial Hygienist (my former occupation) kicked in and I found it fascinating; there is a lot going on is a small space. My environmental science students won’t be surprised at my excitement learning

Here it is... The RO unit! — Here it is… The RO unit!

about the desalination unit (reverse osmosis) for fresh water generation and energy conversions propelling the vessel.

I know, I know… but it was really interesting.

Science and Technology – Conservation

Sustainability, no matter what your discipline is, refers to the wise use of resources with an eye toward the future. In environmental science we specifically talk about actively protecting the natural world through conservation of both species and habitat. Each year when I prepare my syllabus for my AP Environmental Science course, I include the secondary title “Working Toward Sustainability”. I see this as a positive phrase that establishes the potential for renewal while noting the effort required to effect change.

Sustainability is the major focus of NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service) as it is “responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat.” I’m sure that most readers have some familiarity with the term endangered species or even the Endangered Species Act, but the idea that protection extends to habitats and essential resources may be new.

Getting the hook out of the big ones is equally challenging.

Regulation of U.S. Fisheries

Marine fisheries in the United States are primarily governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, initially passed in 1976. Significant reductions in key fish populations were observed at that time and the necessity for improved regulatory oversight was recognized. This act relied heavily on scientific research and was intended to prevent overfishing, rebuild stocks, and increase the long-term biological and economic viability of marine fisheries. It was this regulation that extended U.S. waters out to 200 nautical miles from shore. Previously, foreign fleets could fish as close as 12 nautical miles from U.S

Two sandbar sharks on the line. — Two spinner sharks on the line.

shores.

Under this fisheries act, Regional Fishery Management Councils develop Fishery Management Plans (FMP) for most species (those found in nearby regional waters) which outline sustainable and responsible practices such as harvest limits, seasonal parameters, size, and maturity parameters for different species. Regional councils rely heavily on research when drafting the FMP, so the work done by NOAA Fisheries scientists and other researchers around the country is critical to the process. Drafting a Fishery Management Plan for highly migratory fish that do not remain in U.S. waters is challenging and enforcement even more so. Recall from a previous blog that great hammerheads are an example of a highly migratory shark.

Threats to Shark Populations and Conservation Efforts

Shark populations around the globe suffered significantly between 1975 and 2000, and for many species (not all sharks and less in the USA) the decline continues. This decline is linked to a number of factors. Improved technology and the development of factory fishing allows for increased harvest of target species and a subsequent increase in by-catch (capture of non-target fish). Efficient vessels and refined fishing techniques reduced fish stocks at all levels of the food web, predator and prey alike.

More significantly, the fin fishing industry specifically targets sharks and typical finning operations remove shark fins and throw the rest of the shark overboard. These sharks are often still living and death results from predation or suffocation as they sink. Shark fins are a desirable food product in Asian dishes such as shark fin soup, and are an ingredient in traditional medicines. They bring a high price on the international market and sharks with big fins are particularly valuable.

*A scalloped hammerhead in the cradle. This was the fist shark I tagged.*

Sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran) and scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) that we have seen have very large dorsal and pectoral fins, which are particularly desirable to fin fisherman. There are many groups, international and domestic, working to reduce fin fishing, but the high price paid for fins makes enforcement difficult. The Shark Finning Prohibition Act implemented in 2000, in combination with the Shark Protection Act of 2010 sought to reduce this practice. These acts amended Magnusen-Stevens (1976) to require that all sharks caught in U.S. waters have their fins intact when they reach the shore. U.S. flagged vessels in international waters must also adhere to this ban, therefore no fins should be present on board that are not still naturally attached. The meat of many sharks is not desirable due to high ammonia levels, so the ban on fin removal has dramatically reduced the commercial shark fishing industry in the United States. (Read about some good news below in my interview with Trey Driggers )

The video below featuring the Northwest Atlantic Shark cooperative summarizes these threats to shark populations.

It must also be mentioned that in the 25 years after the release of the book and film “Jaws”, fear and misunderstanding fueled an increase in shark hunting for sport. The idea that sharks were focused human predators with vendettas led many to fear the ocean and ALL sharks. In his essay “Misunderstood Monsters,” author Peter Benchley laments the limited research available about sharks 40 years ago, even stating that he would not have been able to write the same book with what we now know. He spoke publicly about the need for additional research and educational initiatives to spread knowledge about ocean ecology.

*Close up of our first cradled sandbar shark. This is one of my favorite pictures.*

The United States is at the forefront of shark research, conservation and education and in the intervening years, with the help of NOAA Fisheries and many other scientists, we have learned much about shark ecology and marine ecosystems. It’s certain that marine food webs are complex, but that complexity is not always fully represented in general science textbooks. For example, texts often state that sharks are apex predators (top of the food chain). This applies to many

This one is pretty big for an Atlantic sharpnose. Photo Credit: Kristin Hannan — *This one is pretty big for an Atlantic sharpnose.*
*Photo Credit: Kristin Hannan*

species including great white and tiger sharks, but it doesn’t represent all species. In truth, many shark species are actually mesopredators (mid level), and are a food source for larger organisms. Therefore conservation efforts need to extend through all levels of the food web.

The Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) and Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) are examples of mesopredators. It was not uncommon for us to find the remains of and small Atlantic sharpnose on the hook with a large shark that it had attracted.

*Sandbar shark with Atlantic sharpnose also on the line.*

William (Trey) Driggers – Field Research Scientist – Shark Unit Leader ( is there a III?)

Its a beautiful day on the aft deck. William" Trey" Driggers is the Lead Scientist of the Shark Unit. Photo: Ian Davenport — *Its a beautiful day on the aft deck. William” Trey” Driggers is the Lead Scientist of the Shark Unit.*
Photo: Ian Davenport

Trey is a graduate of Clemson University and earned his Ph.D at the University of South Carolina. He’s been with NOAA for over 10 years and is the Lead Scientist of the Shark Unit, headquartered in Pascagoula, MS. His responsibilities include establishing and modifying experimental protocols and general oversight of the annual Shark/Red Snapper Longline Survey. Trey has authored numerous scientific articles related to his work with sharks and is considered an expert in his field. He is a field biologist by training and makes it a point to participate in at least one leg of the this survey each year.

Sandbar shark ( Carcharhinus plumbeus) — Sandbar shark (*Carcharhinus plumbeus*)

I asked Trey if analysis of the data from the annual surveys has revealed any significant trends among individual shark populations. He immediately cited the increased number of sandbar sharks and tied that to the closure of the fin fisheries. Approximately 20 years ago, the Sandbar shark population off of the Carolina and Florida coasts was declining. Trey spoke with an experienced fisherman who recalled times past when Sandbar sharks were abundant. At the time Trey was somewhat skeptical of the accuracy of the recollection — there was no data to support the claim. Today the population of Sandbar sharks is robust by comparison to 1995 levels, and the fin removal legislation is likely a major factor. Having the numbers to support this statement illustrates the value of a longitudinal study.

Trey notes that it’s important for the public to know of the positive trends like increases in Sandbar shark populations and to acknowledge that this increase has come at a cost. The reduction and/or closure of fisheries have had radiating effects on individuals, families and communities. Fishing is often a family legacy, passed down through the generations, and in most fishing communities there is not an easy replacement. In reporting rebounding populations we acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals and communities.

Personal Log- Last posting from sea.

Thirty minutes before leaving Pascagoula we were informed that the V-Sat was not working and that we would likely have no internet for the duration of the cruise.

We had a few minutes to send word to our families and in my case, TAS followers. I think most of us were confident a fix would happen at some point, but we’re still here in the cone of silence. It’s been challenging for all on board and makes us all aware of how dependent we are on technology for communication and support. I’ve gotten a few texts, which has been a pleasant surprise. One tantalizing text on the first day said “off to the hospital (to give birth)”, and then no follow-up text for weeks. That was quite a wait! I can imagine how it was aboard ship in times past when such news was delayed by months—or longer. I was looking forward to sharing photos along the way, so be prepared for lot of images all at once when we get to shore! As for my students, while it would have been nice to share with you in real time, there is plenty to learn and plenty of time when we finally meet.

I’d like to thank Dave Nelson, the Captain of the Oregon II, who greeted me each day saying “How’s it going Teach?” and for always making me feel welcome. Thank you also to all of those working in the Teacher at Sea Program office for making this experience possible. Being a part of the Shark Longline Survey makes me feel like I won the TAS lottery. I’m sure every TAS feels the same way about their experience.

Special thanks to Kristin Hannan, Field Party Chief Extraordinaire, for answering my endless questions (I really am a lifelong learner…), encouraging me to take on new challenges, and for her boundless energy which was infectious. Sharks are SOOO cool.

Here’s a final shout out to the day shift–12 pm-12 am–including the scientists, the Corps, deck crew and engineers for making a great experience for me. Ian and Jim – It was great sitting out back talking. I learned so much from the two of you and I admire your work.

Ian Davenport, Jim Nienow and me relaxing on the aft deck between stations. Photo: Trey Driggers — *Ian Davenport, Jim Nienow, and me relaxing on the aft deck between stations.* Photo: Trey Driggers

And, to all on board the Oregon II, I admire your commitment to this important work and am humbled by the personal sacrifices you make to get it done.

Day shift operating like clockwork Photo Credit: Ian Davenport — Day shift operating like clockwork.
Photo Credit: Ian Davenport

Awesome day shift ops. Photo Credit: Ian Davenport — Awesome day shift ops. Getting it done!
Photo Credit: Ian Davenport

This has been one of the hardest and most worthwhile experiences I’ve ever had. It was exhilarating and exhausting, usually at the same time. I often encourage my students to take on challenges and to look for unique opportunities, especially as they prepare for college. In applying to the TAS program I took my own advice and, with the support of my family and friends, took a risk. I couldn’t have done it without you all. This experience has given me a heightened respect for the leaps my students have made over the years and a renewed commitment to encouraging them to do so. Who knows, they may end up tagging sharks someday. Safe Sailing Everyone.