Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 23, 2025
Weather Data:
9:14 AM Eastern Time
A view of this morning. The water and breeze are calm. NOAA Ship Pisces is sailing at a speed of 10 knot (just about 12 mph).
The current temperature is 23°C (°73F).
The wind speed is 11 knots (13 mph). Source: Windy app.
We’re close to Newport, where Pisces will dock! She’ll dock at Naval Station Newport.
A view of Rhode Island.
Science Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars: There’s been a lot of science work lately! Last time, I wrote about the four tasks for our science mission.
Let’s recall: Can you think, share, and then act out these tasks with your parents?
I’ve just finished another sunset shift (3 PM – 3 AM watch) so I’m feeling more tired than usual. But it’s been exciting sampling bluefin tuna larvae and seeing lots of planktons! Here are some updates on each task:
Computers for CTD data
Fun: Watching the computer screens as the CTD instrument goes deep into the ocean felt like playing a video game.
Challenge: Staying focused while recording (writing down) numbers carefully. There’s a lot of data! This task was the most challenging for me. It requires understanding CTD data well so all crews know how to control it.
*Note to self: Don’t forget to hit “save” and “backup” buttons!
Learned: Have a sticky note or notepad handy! Just like taking notes in class, I was always recording numbers on paper and double-checking the numbers. They can be easy to forget with so much going on.
It was awesome seeing how conductivity, temperature, and data really can tell us the best conditions to sample larval bluefin tuna.
Have your notes handy!This task requires paying close to how temperature, conductivity, and depth interact.
Data is fun. For me, the CTD is still a but confusing but I’m a lot more confident using it now. I’m still learning more about it, but it was a great time learning from everyone.
The CTD, live in action! Can you try reading and analyzing (studying) these numbers?
Washing Bongo nets
Fun: Spraying the nets with the water hose was like a mini water fight. This is my favorite task. Once emptied out from the nets, seeing all the planktons caught is super interesting.
Challenge: The nets are heavy when they’re full of seawater and plankton. Plankton are also so small, so I was constantly worried about spraying the nets down too hard. I didn’t want to hurt them, especially when trying to spray down the corners.
Learned: We wash the nets carefully to make sure we collect every tiny creature for research.
The “spray” function was the best because water wasn’t projected too strongly.
It’s important to wear protective gear. I had to learn how to put it on and off quickly before this task.
Bongo nets being retrieved. This is a view from the bridge, where NOAA Corps Officers are supporting with ship controls during net pick up and drop off.
Inside the bridge while during this task. Red light is used so that it doesn’t distract your eyes and focus from seeing other lights. It is dark and very quiet inside during night time. NOAA Corps officers explained to me what’s happening inside the bridge during this task.After they’ve been washed down into trays, it felt great looking at different types of planktons!
We had to make sure the deck was clean and clear before the next station, or stop, for deploying the bongo nets,
Let’s see what we discovered!
When you’re back to school, we’ll identify them all together!
Some plankton samples.They were so small!
Drifter Traps
Scientist Kristen with the drifter traps before their deployment. Do you remember them from one of the earlier posts? Photo credit: Sarah Glancy
A few days into starting our missions, we began deploying them into the waters at night and then recovering them in morning. Photo Credit: Amanda Jacobsen
Some collected samples. Photo credit: Amanda Jacobsen
Preserving samples
Fun: Using science tools made me feel like a real marine scientist.
Challenge: It’s tricky to label each sample correctly and handle them gently.
Learned: Preserving the samples keeps them safe so scientists can study them later under microscopes.
Plankton samples were stored in bottles filled with ethanol, to help preserve (protect) DNA and genetic properties.
We had to be careful to use the right solution when preparing bottles for storage. We don’t want them preserved in seawater!
Did you know: Storing planktons in ethanol (a special kind of alcohol) keeps them from rotting. Ethanol acts like a superhero freeze so scientists can study them later. Without it, samples would break down and we’d lose all their important properties. Photo credit: Amanda Jacobson
Identification (ID)
Fun: Looking at different sea creatures under the microscope is like exploring a new world.
Challenge: It takes patience and practice to tell tiny fish and plankton apart. Even years of practice and studying!
Learned: Looking into the microscope lenses, it helped to take off my glasses for better focus.
Observing planktons under a microscope requires close attention to details.
Dave was excited to have identified bluefin tuna larvae!
Because the ship can get rocky, both my feet and my hands had to be as still as they can be.
Scientists Kristen and Sarah are trying to stay still while observing samples. Imagine trying to take a picture while you’re rocking back and forth!
Once identified, we made sure samples are ok to be stored.
Samples of larval bluefin tuna were stored in these vials, or small sample bottles!
Here are some planktons I saw under the microscope… We will describe and then identify them once we’re back to school!
Activity: Microscope Sample Fun! We will look at real microscope pictures and become scientists! Students, if you’d like: draw, label, and describe what you see in each photo. Zoom into each photo if possible. Use adjectives to describe color, shape, and texture when talking about each sample. Don’t forget the small details! We will discuss these samples once back to school.
Bluefin fish larvae! Photo credit: Autumn MoyaMore bluefin fish larvae samples. Photo credit: Autumn Moya
Crew members aboard NOAA Ship Pisces.
It really does take a team to make the “science” work.
Even though crew members on NOAA Ship Pisces are in different teams, everything on the ship and throughout this mission requires collaboration, understanding, and patience.
Can you tell your parents a time when you had to work in a group with different classmates? What was it like? Did you get along with everyone? What happened when you didn’t? How did everyone work together to get the task done?
These four tasks wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of these crews: Steward, NOAA Corps, engineer, electronics, survey, and deck.
Personal Log
My days at sea are long, just like a school day might be for you. Once I finish my shifts at 3 AM, I’ve been going to straight to my stateroom for a shower and then bedtime. Because my roommate wakes up at 4 AM for his ship work, I must stay quiet, just like you would at home sharing a room with a brother or sister.
I’ve been waking up at 11 AM, just in time to get ready and then eat lunch. Until 3 PM, I have time to take care of my personal needs.
Staying active while sailing is important! There’s fitness equipment for exercising. Rooms are available throughout the day and night for crew members to use. Because they’re small spaces, we try to keep them clean, tidy, and to a small number of people.
Running on the treadmill feels like doing the wobble line dance! You have to remain balanced with the shop rocking back and forth.
Fishery work can get messy. I’ve been able to do laundry during free time every few days.
Pictured: Survey Technician Ian and Ensign Cheney,. There were times when I ran out of clean shirts to wear after a watch. But, no problem! There’s a store in the lounge area with shirts, sweaters, and hats that can be purchased. They have awesome NOAA Ship Pisces designs on them. Buying them supports crew members through awesome events and activities.
It’s also important to take care of our overall health, just like we do throughout the school day with brain breaks or with visits to the nurse. There’s a medical room I’ve been going to for medicine, including pills for seasickness or body pain. I’ve also been reminded of ways to keep both my body and mind healthy. These reminders are posted all over NOAA Ship Pisces because when you’re away from family and friends, it can feel difficult.
To learn more about crew members and what they do, there was time to tour different parts of NOAA Ship Pisces.
Autumn and I were taking photos outside when we decided to go into the bridge and learn more about its operations.
The bridge of a NOAA ship is like the ship’s control center. It’s where NOAA Corps Officers take turns on watch all day and night to make sure the ship is sailing safely. The bridge has been supporting our science mission by making sure NOAA Ship Pisces is in the right spot for sampling.You can see navigation, communication, and engine controls! This means that the ship’s location and route is always known for all crew members. They control the ship while we survey throughout all four tasks. With some of the NOAA Corps Officers who’ve been showing and explaining all operations of the Pisces. Pictured: Ensign Howsman and Lieutenant Urquhart.Lieutenant Musick has been a big support as well throughout this mission!
We also learned that the engines of a ship are equally as important.
This is Chief Engineer, Adam Butters. He’s the leader who takes care of all the machines on the ship. He and his crew make sure everything works properly, like the engine, power, and water. They help fix things when they break and keep the ship running smoothly so the crew can do their jobs safely! Chief Engineer Adam Butters giving us a tour and explanation of all the engine system we saw.
The engineer crew.
Below was a tour of important engines needed for the ship to sail safely. The machines were incredible! It was amazing to see how hard the engineering team works to make sure the mission was possible for us.
It got loud and hot in the engine room! We had to wear earplugs to protect our ears.
It was fascinating to learn so much about ship engines. These engines help the ship move through the ocean, just like your legs help you walk. They burn fuel to make power, turning giant propellers under the water to push the ship forward.
Next up was a tour of the Acoustic Room. Inside, scientists and technicians use sound waves (through special computers and instruments) to hear all sorts of sounds underwater. These sounds help them find the ocean floor, see how deep the water is, and spot sea animals.
In our mission, we collaborated with an awesome survey technician, Ian!
Ian makes sure our machines, especially CTD, works correctly and safely. He can help fix them if goes wrong.
With Ian, I also learned about special tools used to map the ocean floor. This is called hydrography. It’s like making a giant map of what’s under the sea! Here’s a tour the Acoustic Lab.
There’s even a disco ball there!
Of course, we can’t forget our electronics technician, Alex!
Without him, we wouldn’t have had internet on the ship. Alex helps fix and take care of all the ship’s important electronics, like computers, radios, and screens. Thanks to Alex, the science and the fun can keep going!
Now, it’s your turn to be scientists…
Uplift Education, Mighty K-12 students: My time on sea’s coming to an end. I’m returning soon to Texas, so this isn’t goodbye…
It’s a “SEA” you later!
However… I now pass this adventure to you:
Reflection questions for you:
What do you think would happen if we didn’t collect ocean data using tools like the CTD?
Why do you think it’s important to study larval bluefin tuna?
Even if scientists complete this mission, what do you think you could discover or protect when you become a scientist one day?
The amazing science crew! They look forward to seeing you at sea and working with you, future Mighty scientists!
As I’m about to sail back… I can’t help but wonder… could one of you be the next ocean explorer?
To family, friends, community, NOAA Ship Pisces crew members, readers, and supporters of NOAA’s work & cause: Once back in Texas, I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in an upcoming conclusion post. Please stay tuned!
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: 7/21/2025
Weather Data:
4:27 PM Eastern Time
Information source: Windy app
The current temperature is 26°C (°79F).
The wind speed is 270 knots (21mph). Source: Windy app.
Science Log
Mighty Primary scholars: Our mission has officially started! NOAA Ship Pisces sailed to an area of the ocean called Slope Sea. Slope Sea is what scientists use to describe a part of ocean here on the East Coast.
The Slope Sea is a region, or area, of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Photo credit: NOAA
We’ve been sailing to areas with the best conditions for larval bluefin tuna to spawn, where larval bluefin tuna are born. Each color represents water temperature. On the scale (right), from blue to red represents colder to hotter water temperature.
Chief Scientist Dave gave a presentation on the goals of our mission.Chief Scientist Dave gave a presentation on the goals of our mission.
Activity: Let’s explore Slope Sea on Google Earth!
Remember, our mission is to survey (catch and identify) larval bluefin fish. Since one of our science members focuses on surveying seabirds, there are 8 of us left for work. We are divided into two equal teams for the shifts, or watches.
Sunset Crew
This team works from the 3PM to 3AM watch. They get to see the sunset!
Chief Scientist Dave
Autumn
Betsy
Myself
Sunrise Crew
This team works from the 3AM to 3PM watch. They get to see the sunrise!
Sunrise crew is representing! Photo credit: Allison BlackThey’re extra excited for the mission. Photo credit: Allison Black
Kristen
Amanda
Sarah
Chrissy
Seabird Crew
Allison surveys seabirds on the flying bridge, the highest point of NOAA Ship Pisces! She then identifies them for research.
With Allison, watching for seabirds or marine animals!This tool is like binoculars. It magnifies, or zooms into, objects.It’s great for the view as well!
Mighty Primary scholars: Here’s a math connection. How many hours are there in one shift? If we combine both shifts, what is the total number of hours?
We’ve all been coordinating (working together) for these four tasks to be done:
Computer for CTD and Data
We look at CTD data. We use walkie-talkies to coordinate with deck crew and NOAA Corps Officers so that it is dropped into the sea. When it’s returned, we record data.
We then print out CTD information (remember conductivity, temperature, and depth) to label our bottles of samples.
Recording CTD dataRecording CTD dataRecording CTD data
We make sure all the data is saved and then backed up, or stored, so that other scientists can use them for more research.
Washing Bongo Nets
After catching planktons (tiny fish and other small creatures), we wash the nets carefully, so we don’t lose any samples.
Bongo nets return to deck.
Chrissy washed down plankton into a tray.
Preserving samples
We wash and store planktons in jars to keep them safe.
Dave carefully washed plankton down to be preserved and then observed.Amanda stored collected plankton into jars, which are then studied and then saved for later research.
These bottles are stored in ethanol, which helps preserve (protect) the DNA of planktons.
We print CTD information from the computer to label collected samples.
Identification (ID)
We look closely and carefully at planktons’ physical properties to identify them.
We use a microscope for this.
What is a microscope?
A microscope is a tool that allows small creatures or objects to be seen. Almost like looking through binoculars or a camera to zoom in.
Autumn was observing and identifying what kinds of planktons we saw on the microscope. They were identified as chaetognaths and another type of tuna! No bluefin tuna larvae yet. Photo credit: Autumn Moya
I had to pay close attention! I had to move the planktons around a lot using a tweezer (can you locate it in the picture?)
Pouring the samples into a tray helped us pick out certain plankton to observe. The light and the tweezer definitely helped!
Can you guess what we were looking at?
Sometimes, when a scientist is really good at one task, he or she would stick to it throughout the entire shift.
You’ve learned about NOAA Corps Officers who work in the bridge and support our science missions. We’ve also been working closely with the deck crew to make our surveying possible.
The deck crew helps the ship work safely. They make sure everything on deck working right. Photo credit: NOAA Ship Pisces
Nets on deckDeploying a drifterDeploying the CTD
On our shifts, they’ve been helping us put the CTD instrument and drifters into the water and then back on ship.
They do things like drive small boats to and from the ship.They tie the ship to the dock with ropes when it stops.
A video of deck crew members making sure ropes were tied to the dock.
Personal Log
Right now, I’m writing to you from the flying deck, or the very top part of the ship.
The flying deck is a wide, open area where scientists can get a great view of the ocean, sky, and marine life.
This is part of an anemometer that measures wind speed and direction.
Allison gets very excited when she sees fish or seabirds! If we’re not with her on the flying bridge, she sends photos and videos:
A brown booby bird flying around NOAA Ship Pisces. Video credit: Allison BlackPhoto Credit: Allison Black, NOAA Photo Credit: Allison Black, NOAA
We spent more time practicing safety drills. It’s important that all crew members know about safety equipment.
We went over how to evacuate our staterooms in case there’s a fire and lots of smoke. This included hands-on practice. We were blindfolded to make it feel real! Was scientist Allison able to evacuate safely?
Good healthy food is super important on a ship! We eat three meals a day in the mess (kitchen). There are continental foods, fruits, and drinks we can enjoy all day and night. Do you recognize some of the food here? What is something you’d like to eat aboard?
Right now, because of my shift, I sleep in so I miss breakfast. I make it up by having a big lunch instead. Throughout the afternoon and night, I snack on lots of vegetables and fruits.
The stewards in our mission cook and prepare all the delicious food for everyone. They make sure the scientists and crew stay strong and healthy by serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They work in the kitchen (remember: called the galley or mess).
Our Chief Steward Jean and Steward Mo.
Enjoying an ice cream social.
Crew members hang out in the galley, or kitchen.
Jean and Mo preparing our dinner, listening to awesome music.
Crew members lining up for lunch.
A riddle on screen while we wait in line. Can you solve it?
My colorful meal!
Can’t forget the hot sauce.
Did you know?
There are 15 different types, or species, of tuna that live in all the oceans of the world! Some are tiny… and some are giants (as you know)!
Here are just a few types of tuna!
Bluefin Tuna
Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
The biggest! They can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Yellowfin Tuna
Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Named for its bright yellow fins. Super fast swimmers. Popular in sushi!
Skipjack Tuna
Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Small but speedy. Most common in canned tun. Has stripes on its belly
Albacore Tuna
Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Known as “white tuna.” Has long fins. Also used in canned tuna
Bigeye Tuna
Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Got its name from its large eyes. Loves deep, cooler waters. Fished for sushi and sashimi
Now, if you’d like, try this activity: Compare and contrast two different types of tuna fish!
Pick two types of tuna. Name them on each circle. Write or draw the differences (outside) or similarities (overlap, inside). Resource credit: Sinh Nguyen
Geographic Area of Cruise: Pacific Ocean from Newport, OR to Port Angeles, WA
Date: 8/23/2017
Latitude: 48.19 N
Longitude: 125.29 W
Wind Speed: 7.9 knots
Barometric Pressure: 1021.70 mBars
Air Temperature: 62.1 F
Weather Observations: Partially cloudy
Science and Technology Log
For today’s science and technology log, I interviewed my roommate Tracie. You only have to talk to Tracie for five seconds to learn that she’s passionate about marine chemistry and marine biology and marine physics…all things marine. She’s the HAB (harmful algal bloom) specialist on board, and she’s been squirreled away in the chemistry lab every day collecting lots of great samples as we travel up the coast. Before we left Newport, she taught me a bit about algae by taking me to the beach to see some bioluminescent dinoflagellates. When we stomped in the water, the dinoflagellates would glow! It looked like puddles full of blue lightning bugs, and it was amazing. One of her quotes from that night was, “I imagine this is what unicorn footprints would look like if they were traipsing over rainbows.” Everyone should have the chance to see that at some point in their life. It gave me a taste of why it makes sense to be so passionate about algae. So, without further ado, here’s your chance to learn a bit more about HABs from my friend Tracie!
What is a HAB, and why should we care about them?
HABs are phytoplankton that have negative consequences either for us or the ecosystem. Some can release neurotoxins that can be damaging to mammals (including humans), amongst other things. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) can also create a dead zone by a process called eutrophication. Bacteria eat the phytoplankton once they begin to die, which removes oxygen from the water.
What makes it a bloom?
A “bloom” is when there is so much algae that the ecosystem can’t support it and they start to die off. There aren’t enough nutrients available in the water. Some people call this a “Red Tide.” There are certain species, such as Alexandrium spp., where even one cell per liter would be enough to create a harmful effect.
What made you decide to study HABs?
During a lab in college, we were allowed to go to the beach and sample phytoplankton. When we got back to the lab with our samples, we found a huge amount of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. It releases a neurotoxin that gives mammals amnesiac shellfish poisoning. That year, we couldn’t eat shellfish and crab from our area because of this bloom. There’s no antidote to this toxin, and it affects the brain function of mammals who eat it. Whales died that year because they forgot how to breathe. This made me super interested in studying more about these types of species.
What are you specifically hoping to find in your research aboard this cruise?
We’re trying to find where blooms start, how blooms begin, and follow them within the California Current system. It’s part of an ongoing study of the California Current system and how species are transported. California fisheries have been dramatically affected by HABs.
Have you been finding what you need so far?
It’s been really interesting…we’ve seen quite a few Dinophysis species (which I find to be the cutest), and some really interesting Pseudo-nitzschia spp., but no blooms. Close to the coast, within 15 nm of shore, I see a lot more diversity in my samples. This is mostly due to upwelling.
Has anything in your research so far surprised you?
There are very few species that I haven’t recognized, which is interesting because we’re so far north. We have fjord-like environments up here by Vancouver Island, so I expected there to be a higher abundance of phytoplankton up here than I saw.
What is a common misconception about HABs?
The term “HAB” itself – they’re called harmful because they’re harmful to us as humans and to various industries, however – they provide a huge amount of support to other animals as primary producers and as oxygen producers.
They’re basically plants that can swim, and they’re all food for something. They’re not harmful for most things, so the name is kind of a misnomer. In defense of the HABs, they’re just trying to survive. Phytoplankton are responsible for around 50% of the world’s oxygen, and they’re the primary producer for marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Anything else you want people to know?
There’s still a lot that we need to learn, and I would like everyone at some point in their life to see how beautiful these fragile organisms are and appreciate how much they contribute to our world.
If you weren’t a marine chemist, what would you be?
I would write nonfiction about the beauty of the world around us. Or maybe I’d be an adventure guide.
What are some fun facts about you that not a lot of people know?
My motto for life is “always look down.” There’s so much around us, even the dirt under our toes, that is so full of life and beauty.
My art is on Axial Seamount, 1400 m below sea level, 300 miles off the coast of Oregon! I drew an octopus high-fiving ROPOS the ROV that placed it there!
Also, I’m a high school dropout who is now a straight-A senior in environmental science at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Other people’s perceptions of you don’t control your destiny.
Here are a couple pictures of some of the HABs Tracie has seen during this trip (she took these pictures from her microscope slides):
Algae under the microscope: D. fortii. Image by Tracie.
Algae under microscope. Image by Tracie.
Personal Log:
Since today’s science log was about Tracie, I’ll feature her in the personal log too! She’s my partner in the ship-wide corn hole tournament, and we won our first-round game yesterday. Look at these awesome corn hole boards that were specially made for the Shimada!
Shimada corn hole board!
We mostly credit our fabulous war paint for the win. Today we play against our fellow scientists Lance and Tim. Wish me luck!
Christine and Tracie celebrate corn hole victory
Another down-time activity that Tracie (and all the scientists) enjoy is decorating Styrofoam cups. The cool marine biologist thing to do is to sink them to very low ocean depths (3000+ meters). Apparently the pressure at that depth compresses the Styrofoam and shrinks it, making the cup tiny and misshapen but still showing all the designs that were put on it. I’m not kidding: this is a thing that all the marine biologists get really excited about. Tracie even decorated a Styrofoam head (the kind that cosmetologists use) in advance of this trip and brought it with her to sink. Look how cool it is – she’s an amazing artist!
Styrofoam head, decorated by Tracie, for shrinking
There are shrunken heads in the lab already from other people who have done this. Sinking Styrofoam is a legit marine biology hobby. Well, as the saying goes, “When in Rome…” so I worked on a Styrofoam cup today. I’m making a hake tessellation, which takes longer than you might think. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Styrofoam cup decorated with hake tesselation
We’re having lots of fun at sea on this beautiful day. Someone just came over the radio and said there’s been a marine mammal sighting off the bow…gotta go!
Special Shout-out:
A special shout-out to Mrs. Poustforoush’s class in Las Vegas, Nevada! I just found out you’ve been following this blog, and it’s great to have you aboard. If you have any questions about algae (from this post) or about life on a ship, please feel free to e-mail me. I can hopefully get your questions answered by the right people. Work hard in Mrs. Poustforoush’s class, okay? She’s a great teacher, you lucky kiddos. Learn a lot, and maybe one day you can be a scientist and live on a ship too!
NOAA Teacher at Sea: Sue Zupko NOAA Ship: Pisces Mission: Extreme Corals 2011; Study deep water coral and its habitat off the east coast of FL Geographical Area of Cruise: SE United States from off Mayport, FL to St. Lucie, FL Date: June 8, 2011 Time: 1900
Weather Data from the Bridge Position: 25.3°N 79.6°W Present weather: 3/8 Alto Cumulus Visibility: 10 n.m. Wind Direction: 065°true Wind Speed: 10 kts Surface Wave Height: 3 ft Swell Wave Direction: 110° Swell Wave Height: 3 ft Surface Water Temperature: 28.4° Barometric Pressure: 1013.2 mb Water Depth: 363 m Salinity: 36.28 PSU Wet/Dry Bulb: 27.7/24.8
This blog runs in chronological order. If you haven’t been following, scroll down to “1 Introduction to my Voyage on the Pisces” and work your way back.
Take this quiz before reading this post.
Straining bucket
Dr. Diego Figueroa and I went fishing over the side of the ship this evening with a straining bucket to try to catch zooplankton (animals which cannot swim against the current–free floating). We had no plankton net so we had to improvise.
Diego pours water into the bottom of the bucket
Diego, a zooplankton expert, got a plastic container like you’d use to store food in the fridge, and we headed to the lab with what we hoped would be a good catch. He got a cup of salt water from the special faucet in the ship’s science lab and poured it into the bottom of the bucket. As he poured the water, he had the plastic container at the top of the it to retrieve our catch.
Diego examines our catch
We then examined the container to see what the naked eye could find.
Wow! Our first specimen was a shrimp. It’s huge. Well, huge in comparison to the other zooplankton. We still saw it best under the microscope. He left that in to container to pull out later and caught some copepods with an eye dropper.
Calanus copepod
Eureka! There were at least six Calanus copepods. Cope– is Greek for oar or handle and pod– means foot or limb. These are very common off the coast of Florida and about 80% of all the zooplankton on the planet are some type of copepod. He explained that the Calanus has five rows of legs that flap downward (like the doggie paddle that most of of use when learning to swim) in order to move around. The Calanus eats phytoplankton (algae), making it a primary consumer. It has five pairs of mouth parts. The hairy seta (the plural is called setae) act like a sieve when it eats. This is so interesting. The Calanus opens its mouth parts and gathers water molecules toward its body. Then, it pulls its mouth parts in and squeezes the water out. What’s left is a scrumptious meal of diatoms. The grazing copepod we watched was a female. Her tail is shaped differently than the male’s tail.
The shrimp is at least 20 times bigger than the Calanus. Diego hasn’t studied the shrimp like he has the copepods. That’s because the shrimp are one of the bigger zooplankton and large ones make up only about 5% of all zooplankton. He says that there are more copepods in the world than all the insects combined. That makes sense since the earth’s surface is 71% water.
Jellyfish in snow
When the ROV was flying through the ocean, we always saw snow in the water. I used to scuba dive a lot and I never really noticed the snow. If it was deep, they weren’t there. Andy David explained that we see them so well since we’re shining light on them. These are mostly zooplankton in the water. In addition, there is a bunch of decaying organic matter called detritus flying along.
Hyperiid
Further examination of the water yielded a Microsetella rosea, a hyperiid,and a Chaetognath (arrow worm). The Microsetella is a detritis-eating filter feeder, but it is only about 1/5 the size of the Calanus. Well, with micro in its name, small had to figure into it somehow. Since it’s small, it eats smaller things.
Arrow worm
The arrow worm is like something from a horror movie because it attacks its prey viciously (it’s a carnivore and is a voracious predator). I asked what all the other floating bits were in the water. Detritus. It’s the snow we kept seeing.
Shrimp
Diego has a special camera which attaches to the microscope. We would examine the zooplankton in the petri dish and then he would take off the microscope eyepiece and insert his camera. Then, through the viewfinder, he would try to find the zooplankton resting somewhere. Apparently, they don’t rest much, but he still got photographs.
Diego hunting for zooplankton
I really enjoyed this mini lab. Diego taught me things about plankton in general and I now better understand this amazing world of particulates in the ocean a bit better. Jana and I had gone on deck last night to see what it was like in the pitch black. We discovered it isn’t totally dark, though your eyes do have to adjust. The moon kept peeking from between clouds off the starboard (right) side and lights shone from portholes below deck. These lights reflected off the waves and were so fascinating to watch. I’ve only had a beachside view of the ocean at night so this was a real treat. Jana and I watched for bioluminescence in the water, a sign of some plankton. We found little sparkles of green in the wave and hypothesized these were zooplankton. After explaining what we had seen to Diego, he confirmed that these were zooplankton rather than phytoplankton. Zooplankton have little sparkles in turning water while phytoplankton will cover a large area and just glow. Too interesting.
Special thanks to Diego for sharing his knowledge with me after a long day and to Jana for helping get some pictures of this.
And the answer to the quiz above….Copepods. They are so small you don’t notice them, but there are almost as many copepods as there are grains of sand on the beach. It’s hard to fathom that many creatures swimming around. Diego said that they eat the phytoplankton so fast that often there are more zooplankton than phytoplankton.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Justin Czarka
Onboard NOAA Ship McArthur II (tracker)
August 10 – 19, 2009
Mission: Hydrographic and Plankton Survey Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA Date: August 12, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Sunrise: 06:25 a.m.
Sunset: 20:03 (8:03 p.m.)
Weather: isolated showers/patchy coastal fog
Sky: partly cloudy
Wind direction and speed: North 10-15 knots (kt)
Visibility: unrestricted to less than 1 nautical mile (nm) in fog
Waves: northwest 4-6 feet
Air Temperature: 17.3 °C
Water Temperature: 16.6 °C
Science and Technology Log
Justin Czarka collects water samples to use in nutrient and chlorophyll research. While on the deck during “ops” (operation) all personnel must wear a life jacket and hardhat.
This log discusses the purpose behind the scientific cruise aboard the McArthur II. The cruise is titled, “Hydrographic and Plankton Survey.” The cruise is part of a larger study by many scientists to, in the words of chief scientist, Bill Peterson, “understand the effects of climate variability and climate change on biological, chemical and physical parameters that affect plankton, krill, fish, bird and mammal populations in Pacific Northwest waters.” This specific cruise focuses on hydrology, harmful algal blooms, zooplankton, krill, fish eggs, fish larvae, and bird and mammal observations.
I will provide an overview of these aspects of the cruise. The McArthur II is set up with sensors for salinity, temperature, and fluorescence that provide a continuous monitoring of the ocean (hydrology) throughout the cruise. In addition at various points along the transect lines (see the dots on the diagram of the cruise route on page 2), the CTD is deployed into the water column at specific depths to determine salinity (via measuring conductivity), water temperature, and depth (via pressure), and collect water samples (which we use to measure chlorophyll and nutrient levels at specific depths). The transects (predetermined latitudes that forms a line of sampling stations) have been selected because they have been consistently monitored over time, some since the late 1980s. This provides a historical record to monitor changes in the ocean environment over time.
The dots represent planned sampling station. Due to sea conditions, these have been slightly modified.
One scientist, Morgaine McKibben from Oregon State University, is researching harmful algal blooms (HAB). HABs occur when certain algae (the small plants in the ocean that are the basis of the food web) produce toxins that concentrate in animals feeding on them. As these toxins move up the food web through different species, they cause harmful effects in those species, including humans. Bill Peterson (NOAA/ Northwest Fisheries Science Center) and Jay Peterson (OSU/Hatfield Marine Science Center) are studying copepod reproduction. They are collecting data on how many eggs are laid in a 24 hour period, as well as how the copepod eggs survive in hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions. Mike Force, the bird and marine mammal observer is keeping a log of all species spotted along the cruise route, which is utilized by scientists studying the species.
Personal Log
Tiny squid collected in a vertical net and viewed under microscope on Crescent City transect line at 41 deg 54 min North.
Who said you never find the end of the rainbow? All you have to do is go out to sea (or become a leprechaun!). We have been going through patches of fog today, putting the foghorn into action. When it clears out above, yet is foggy to the horizon, you get these white rainbows which arc down right to the ship. We have become the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Who knew it was the McArthur II! If you follow the entire rainbow, you will notice that it makes a complete 360° circle, half on top the ocean and half in the atmosphere near the horizon.
I enjoyed using the dissecting microscope today.
The water collected from the vertical net is stored in a cooler on the deck to be used in experiments. I was able to collect a sample of the water, which contained a diverse group of organisms, from tiny squids to copepods to euphausiids. These tiny organisms from the size of a pinhead to a centimeter long are critical to the diets of large fish populations, such as salmon. Under magnification, one can see so much spectacular detail. I have learned how essential it is to have an identification guide in order to identify the names of each copepod and euphausiid. On the other hand the scientists tend to specialize and become very adept at identifying the different species.
Animals Seen Today
Arrow worms (long clear, with bristles)
Shrimp Copepods
Tiny rockfish (indigo colored eyes)
Fish larvae
