nasa ship freedom star – Page 2 – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

June 10, 2006March 18, 2021

Mark Silverman, June 10, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Mark Silverman
Onboard NASA Ship Freedom Star
June 7 – 14, 2006

Mission: Pre-closure evaluation of habitat and fish assemblages in five proposed no fishing zones in the South Atlantic.
Geographical Area: South Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 10, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: Excellent
Wind direction: SSW
Average wind speed: 15 knots
Wave height: 4-6’ with higher swells
Air temperature: 73^oF
Sea temperature: 79^oF
Cloud cover: 20%
Barometric pressure: 1010 mb

The view from the bridge of the M/V FREEDOM STAR about 100 miles of the coast of North Carolina as she transits to the South Carolina Option. — The view from the bridge 100 miles of the coast of North Carolina as she transits to the South Carolina Option.

Science and Technology Log

This morning seas were a sloppy 6-8 feet, again washing over the back deck and creating a safety hazard. Additionally, a low-pressure system forming near the Yucatan is forecast to be in this area early next week, possibly as a tropical storm. For this reason, the decision was made to scrub the North Carolina mission and proceed 48 miles to the southwest to the other South Carolina Option. This would give the seas a chance to lay down and position us better if the need to retreat to port early arose due to the weather. Science operations began at about 1100 in South Carolina Options 1 and 2. The normal routine of camera array, CTD, and fish traps was followed. We also got in 3 ROV runs. All the ROV runs were interesting. The last two runs were on new transects that were selected using Marta Ribera’s maps. The transects turned out to have a significant amount of hard bottom and good populations of fish and invertebrates. The last run revealed an extensive ledge system that harbored some very large scamp and gag grouper. All three runs also came across numerous lionfish. The fish trap produced three scamp and a gray triggerfish. The scamps were dissected to collect their otoliths and gonads. The otoliths are used for age determination and the gonads for reproductive analysis. As evening approached, TD #1 was threatening in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to be in the South Atlantic sometime early next week. The decision was made to run south to the Georgia Options with the hope of getting in another day or two of work while being closer to port in the event that we have to go in early, a possibility that is looking very likely at this point.

Andy stands guard as Mark hurries into position in preparation to deploy the ROV in the South Carolina Option aboard the FREEDOM STAR.

Personal Log

Please note that the satellite system which is used for email aboard the ship went down yesterday. It is likely at this point that it will not work the rest of the cruise, so this and the remaining logs will be posted upon our return to port.

I woke well rested after a good nights sleep, lulled by the rocking of the ship underway and the white noise of the engines. The bow thrusters woke me about 0630 as our cabin is the most forward. A quick shower brought me to life. After eggs, biscuits, sausage gravy and coffee I had some free time while the FREEDOM STAR transited to the South Carolina position. I read my Bible on the upper deck for a while with a grand view of the sunrise over the open ocean. It was inspiring and peaceful. I then worked on my logs. The morning mission began in a flurry of activity. I noticed that the crew and science team are working smoothly and efficiently now. Everyone knows his or her role and the work goes smoothly. Even I have found my niche and have become more familiar with operations, so I know when and where my help is needed. This is a very satisfying feeling. Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi) came up with the ROV again! I waited until the vehicle was secure and then told the second mate, Mike Nicholas, as I was busy with operations.

Wayne Stewart, crane operator, and Mike Nicholas, second mate, show off a dolphin that I spotted. — Wayne Stewart, crane operator, and Mike Nicholas, second mate, show off a dolphinfish that I spotted.

He made a cast with a spinning rod and jig and caught a fine 10 pounder for the galley. Everyone was very excited in the afternoon over the ROV run and the fish we’d caught. Every time the ROV is diving, the video is projected into the dining hall and the everyone who is not working gathers to watch and comment. Shouts, of “follow that big blackbelly,” etc. are heard. The crew also likes to gather and watch as the fish traps are brought in. All this lends a fine sense of camaraderie. With three ROV runs and fish to be cleaned we finished late. The evening was a bit somber as everyone began to worry about the weather and confer on our options. Nancy and I met with Andy to discuss a plan in case we go in early, which is looking quite likely at this point. Despite the disappointment at the thought of going in early, I went to bed enthused and satisfied that I was able to be a part of this productive team and help to gather valuable scientific data that will help in improve our understanding of fisheries and habitat issues. I will sleep soundly tonight as we transit to the Georgia site. To my family, I send my love and I miss you! Daddy is thinking of you David!

Question of the Day

Answer to yesterday’s question: Nonnative species often compete with native species for prey and habitat. Usually the introduction of nonnative species has a negative affect on the indigenous fauna. Eliminating or controlling introduced species is extremely difficult, as the predators that feed on them and even the diseases that affect them may not be found in the new area. Thus, they will often out compete native species. It is estimated that there are now 1-13 million lionfish in the South Atlantic ranging from West Palm Beach, Florida to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Fortunately they have not spread south yet. Ignorant or uncaring aquarists introduced many of the nonnative fish in freshwater ecosystems. It is theorized, however, that lionfish may have been introduced intentionally by a recreational dive operation in order to boost their business. If this is true it was a very poor decision. Today’s question: One of the questions frequently debated is how to distribute a limited resource fairly. Much debate has gone on regarding recreational versus commercial harvest of marine fish. How do you feel fisheries resources should be allocated and why? What would you base your decision on?

Clockwise: Steve Matthews, Mark Silverman, PJ Zackel, and Andy David use tag lines to control the ROV as it is deployed by the crane.

Addendum 1: Glossary of Terms

GIS (Geographic Information System): Maps dive sites, creates maps with layers such as depth, bottom type, and fish data. These are checked for patterns. The human mind is still the best pattern recognition software available. Otolith: An ear bone found behind the gills of fish. Otoliths add exactly one ring a day and can be used to very accurately determine the age. Gonads: The reproductive structure of animals. They are called testes in males and ovaries in females. Interestingly, all scamp begin life as females. Some will change to males later in life. This is known as protogyny. Blackbelly: Nickname used by the crew for a large male gag grouper.

Addendum 2: The Science Team Marine Science Team:

Andy David-Principle Investigator
Steve Matthews-Fisheries Methods and Equipment Specialist
Stacy Harter- Fisheries Biologist/Data Analyst
Marta Ribera-GIS Specialist
Cecelia Linder-NOAA Headquarters Habitat Conservation Officer on rotational assignment to field

ROV Team:

Craig Bussel-Pilot
Kevin Joy-Navigational Specialist
Freshteh Ahmadian-ROV Intern in the Hollings Scholar Program

Andy David, Principle Investigator, confers with Stacy Harter, Fisheries Bilogogist, on strategies for the day’s mission. — Andy David, Principle Investigator, confers with Stacy Harter, Fisheries biologist, on strategies for the day’s mission.

Craig Bussel, ROV pilot, prepares for an ROV transect in a South Carolina Option.

June 9, 2006March 18, 2021

Nancy McClintock, June 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Nancy McClintock and Mark Silverman
Onboard NASA Ship Freedom Star
June 7 – 14, 2006

Mission: Pre-closure evaluation of habitat and fish assemblages in five proposed no fishing zones in the South Atlantic.
Geographical Area: South Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 9, 2006

The camera array secures four digital video cameras in waterproof containers to a frame that is tethered and lowered to the ocean floor. — The camera array secures four digital video cameras in waterproof containers tethered and lowered to the ocean floor.

Weather Data from Bridge

Visibility: good with a little haze
Wind direction: SW/W
Average wind speed: 20 knots
Wave height: 8-10’
Air temperature: 72^oF
Cloud cover: 70%
Barometric pressure: 1010 mb

Science and Technology Log

The FREEDOM STAR traveled approximately 134 miles north toward the coast of South Carolina during the night of June 8. Due to increased winds, the waves reached a height of 8-10 feet. Operations for the morning were cancelled until conditions improved. At approximately 1300, the fish trap was deployed with 450 feet of Amsteel Blue line 7/16 inches in diameter and a breaking strength of 27,000 pounds tethered to high-flyer floats as markers for a later retrieval. Upon recovery after 90 minutes, the fish trap contained 7 porgies and 1 triggerfish. Three measurements were recorded for the fish – standard length (mouth to the beginning of the tail), fork length (mouth to the fork or middle of the tail), and total length (mouth to end of tail). The camera array was readied and deployed as waves soaked the back deck. The CTD was deployed and rested in the water for 1 minute to let the water flow through the instrument and acclimate it.

Upon retrieval by NOAA scientists and FREEDOM STAR crew, containers are rinsed several times in freshwater and wiped down to remove the saltwater. Tapes are removed, logged, and can be viewed on a small digital player. Data is meticulously analyzed later in the NOAA Lab. — Upon retrieval, containers are rinsed several times in freshwater and wiped down to remove the saltwater. Tapes are removed, logged, and can be viewed on a small digital player. Data is meticulously analyzed later.

It was lowered to the ocean floor for 15 seconds during which time conductivity, temperature, and other data were collected. The ROV (Hela) was successfully deployed. However, after reaching the ocean floor, one of the cameras was not functioning and the ROV operation was terminated. The camera was repaired, the vehicle was launched, and the ROV dive was successfully completed at 1930 at a depth of 222 feet. This was the first of the dives during which the strobe functioned and images were excellent. The bottom consisted of hard compacted sand called pavement, crevices, and relief rocky outcrops. Some of the species identified included a sea cucumber (an invertebrate), razor fish, porgies, groupers, hogfish, a school of amberjack, and 2 lionfish. Lionfish is an introduced species in this area and appears to adversely impact the biodiversity of native species. In spite of early morning weather conditions and the late start, all planned operations were concluded by the end of the day.

Cece Linder, NOAA scientist, records the full-length measurement of a porgy caught in the fish trap. This is one of three measurements recorded for each fish caught

Personal Log

Little did I know that the “flight simulator” from the night before was only to be an introduction to 8-10’ waves. I experienced the effect of anti-gravity as I was bounced around in my bunk. After trying to get out of my bunk several times, I was successful only to find that I was overtaken by motion sickness. Weather conditions cancelled the morning operations and I was very content to spend the morning in my bunk trying to recover. The afternoon arrived, weather conditions improved, and a light lunch made everything better. On rocky days it helps to keep your eyes on the horizon at the rear of the ship, just like our field investigations to Shaw Nature Reserve. I always teach on the way to the Reserve and keep an eye on the rear of the bus – it really does help with motion sickness. This afternoon was a full-gear day and I donned my lifejacket and hardhat to help with the deployment of the fish trap and camera array. This gear is always necessary when the crane is in operation. Safety of everyone on board is first while conducting the operations. It feels great to be an active member of the scientific team. The images from the ROV are amazing and I sit at the laptop and continue to take digital images of the ocean floor. The brightly colored sponges, the darting of the fish, the sea anemone, starfish, and sea cucumber bring excitement to the crew in the lab. This is an entirely different ecosystem that is so different to those that we see and study in Missouri and I am truly in awe! Another unique experience is sitting at the computer working on my daily log as the ship is underway to our new position. This is a flat-bottom ship and it really rocks and rolls. It is a challenge to type and keep my chair (that is on rolling wheels) close to the keyboard. Even though the weather and equipment did not cooperate 100%, it was another successful day and I am looking forward to many new adventures.

Nancy McClintock, NOAA Teacher at Sea, tries on a survival suit informally known as a “Gumby Suit.” The suit helps to prevent hypothermia in case there is an emergency requiring evacuation of the ship. — Nancy McClintock, NOAA Teacher at
Sea, tries on a survival suit informally
known as a “Gumby Suit.” The suit
helps to prevent hypothermia in case
there is an emergency requiring
evacuation of the ship.

Question of the Day

Answer to yesterday’s question: There are many answers to this controversial question. If the MPAs designated on this cruise were established in the future, overfishing would be prevented. Hopefully, this would protect fish from endangerment or, possibly, extinction. Whenever one part of the “Web of Life” is affected, the entire “Web of Life” is affected. The designation of MPAs is a very controversial topic.

Today’s question: How does the introduction of a non-native species of fish affect the biodiversity of the ocean ecosystem?

Interview with Stacey Harter

Stacey is the NOAA data manager for the cruise. She annotates the positions, and habitats, and ocean life for the ROV tapes. She grew up in upstate New York and always knew that she wanted to have a career in the field of marine biology. While at Florida State University she completed an internship at the Panama City NOAA Fisheries Lab. Upon graduation, she began working for NOAA and has been there for the past 4 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology and loves her job.

Addendum 1: Scientific Personnel for the M/V FREEDOM STAR

Andrew David, NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) Panama City, Principal Investigator Stacey Harter, NMFS Panama City, Data Manager Marta Ribera, NMFS Panama City, GIS/ROV/Deck Craig Bussel, NURC (National Undersea Research Center), ROV Pilot Kevin Joy, NURC, ROV Navigator Freshteh Ahmadian, NURC, ROV Steve Matthews, NMFS Panama City, ROV/Deck Cecelia Linder, NMFS Headquarters, ROV/Deck Nancy McClintock, NOAA Teacher as Sea Mark Silverman, NOAA Teacher at Sea.

June 9, 2006March 18, 2021

Mark Silverman, June 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Mark Silverman
Onboard NASA Ship Freedom Star
June 7 – 14, 2006

Mission: Pre-closure evaluation of habitat and fish assemblages in five proposed no fishing zones in the South Atlantic.
Geographical Area: South Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 9, 2006

Sunrise revealed rough seas aboard the FREEDOM STAR off the coast of South Carolina.

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: Good
Wind direction: SW/W
Average wind speed: 20 knots
Wave height: 8-10’
Air temperature: 72^oF
Cloud cover: 70%
Barometric pressure: 1009.8 mb

Science and Technology Log

Morning dawned revealing seas of 8-10 foot with occasional 12-foot swells causing unsafe conditions on deck. Waves were rolling onto one side of the ship’s deck and across the other. Several members of the field party were seasick as a result of the weather. A joint decision was made to scrub the morning mission by Principle Investigator Andy David, Capt. Exell and Craig Bussel, the ROV pilot, due to the unsafe conditions on deck.

Water washed across the deck creating hazardous working conditions.

Conditions improved after mid-day and we began a survey of the South Carolina site B in an area overlapped by Options 1 and 2. The fish trap was deployed first, with 450 ft of blue spectra line tethered to high-flyer floats to facilitate retrieval. While it soaked the 4-camera array was deployed, using a similar float system, and retrieved after 30 min. In order to collect physical data, the CTD was also deployed and retrieved successfully. After about 90 min. the fish trap was retrieved. 7 red porgies and a gray triggerfish were recovered and measured. Three measurements were recorded for each fish: standard length, fork length, and total length. Since the fish were blown up by the pressure change they were cleaned for the galley. In the 3 hours between the beginning of the mission and the ROV run the current was determined to have swung 180 degrees, by a drift test. The initial current was 1.3 knots to the south. By afternoon the current was 1.3 knots to the north. In order to run into the current with the ROV, so as to improve visibility of the camera views and keep the ROV free of the props we took some time to reorient the transect path to start on the opposite, north, end of the transect. Next, the ROV was deployed, but the dive had to be aborted due to a problem with the camera.

Waves splashed over the transom as we tried to hold position for the morning mission.

The camera problem was resolved and the ROV was launched a second time for a 2 hr+ transect. The transect, which ranged from 197’ to 227’ deep, was very successful. A varied terrain was seen consisting of pavement crevices of hard compacted sand and isolated, scattered rocks and hard bottom. At least one object appeared to be of human origin. In addition to video, still pictures are taken once per minute to survey the bottom composition. Most of the fish seemed to be concentrated in the rocky areas. A surprising number of fish would orient to even very small pieces of structure. Many of the same species of fish were seen that are mentioned in the Day 2 log as well as several new species of interest. These included Lionfish (an introduced species that is native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans), tilefish, razorfish, and several others that still need to be identified. Abundant numbers of scamp, amberjack, big eyes, red porgies, and butterfly fish were observed. Additionally, several interesting invertebrates were seen, including a Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumber) and an Asteroidea (starfish). FREEDOM STAR then transited, over night, approximately 131 mi. to the North Carolina Options off of Cape Fear, North Carolina.

The “girls” hold an animated discussion while going over data using a PDA.

Personal Log

I slept soundly as the ship tossed and turned during the night in a building sea. As we reached our destination in the morning and FREEDOM STAR slowed the roll and pitch became extreme. Although several members of the team were seasick, so far I felt fine. I ate a light breakfast out of respect for the conditions. As the sun rose in beautiful shades of rose, the waves rose as well, splashing over and washing across the deck. We had the morning free since it was too dangerous to work. Feeling a bit queasy, several of us returned to our racks. After a nap I felt much better and seas were beginning to lay down. I was given the opportunity to participate in several of the deployments and found out it’s not as easy as it looks. Hardhat and life jacket in place, I baited and launched the fish trap…a bit prematurely, but all went well. I also tossed the high-flyer for the camera array…not so well. It whipped back and dented the radar reflector, much to my embarrassment. Andy, kindly, reassured me that most of them wound up this way after being taken to sea. Repairs were made later using a hammer and duct tape. Next, I assisted in taking pictures during the ROV dive. 1, 2, 3…Craig, the pilot would slow down…using the laptop I took a picture once a minute. I even managed to photograph some fish, including a lionfish. Noting how much Craig, the pilot, enjoyed his work, I asked if the ROV had a name and was told it’s the Hela Dive 118. He then offered to let me try piloting one day. I’m very excited and can’t wait! I requested soft sand after my experience with the high-flyer, LOL. Several dolphin (the fish) came up to the boat and I managed to hook one! It ran toward the operations area and had to be broken off to avoid entanglement…Oh well. We did see some dolphin (the flipper type) in the wake too! I shot lots of photos, I wish I could share them all. Another beautiful sunset and all and all it was an adventuresome day and I’m getting tired, so…

Steve Matthews, fisheries methods and equipment specialist, coordinates crane operations during deployment of the 4-camera array. — Steve Matthews, fisheries methods and equipment specialist, coordinates crane operations during deployment

Question of the Day

Answer to yesterday’s question: Yesterday’s question is very controversial and is the impetus for this mission. There is currently no right answer. Hopefully the data we collect will help shed light on this complicated issue. The Scientist and crew are dedicated to providing concrete, unbiased data to create sustainable fisheries for the future. Today’s question: Today we encountered an introduced species, the lionfish. Nonnative species have plagued the freshwater ecosystems of South Florida for years. What are some of the possible impacts resulting from the introduction of nonnative species to marine ecosystems of the Southeast Atlantic basin?

Addendum 1: Glossary of Terms

Standard length: Measured from the front edge of the mouth to the forward edge of the caudal fin. Fork length: Measured from the front edge of the mouth to the center of the fork of the caudal fin. Total length: Measured from the front edge of the mouth to the farthest point of the upper caudal lobe. Caudal fin: The tail fin of a bony fish (Class Osteichthyes). Drift test: Used to determine how the ship will move in the wind and current conditions by shutting down propulsion and using the GPS to note direction and speed of travel. Rack: Bed High-flyer: a buoy with a tall pole topped by a radar reflector to facilitate retrieval. Sustainable Fisheries: a fishery where the numbers of fish remain at suitable levels to support commercial and recreational fishing.

Addendum 2: An Interview with Andy David, Principle Investigator

Andy David is an affable man. He is a walking encyclopedia of facts about fish, wildlife, environmental issues and marine science. I found Andy to be patient while teaching, yet focused and determined about his work. I interviewed him in the galley after lunch as we transited between study sites. The interview is paraphrased. I did not have a tape recorder to get accurate quotes and used notes. Any inaccuracies are the fault of the interviewer and not Andy.

Sunset, in stark contrast to sunrise, over calm seas as another day aboard FREEDOM STAR draws to a close.

Q: What and where did you study?

A: I have BS in Chemistry and Biology from Stetson University in Central Florida. My MS is Marine Science was done at USF in Saint Pete.

Q: Do you have a PhD?

A: My PhD is near completion at FSU. I am nearing completion of my dissertation.

Q: How did you come to work for NOAA?

A: I am from Panama City and moved back after college due to my wife’s work. I took a temporary 1-year position on the [NOAA] redfish project at $17,000 a year with no benefits and stuck with it. Sixteen years later here I am.

Q: What are your current projects?

A: I currently have four projects, The South Atlantic fisheries project, a Gulf of Mexico fisheries project which is completed, [an investigation of] trolling in closed areas in the Gulf, and a multibeam mapping project on Pulley Ridge in the north Dry Tortugas in 60-100 meters of water.

Q: Would you recommend a career in fisheries science to current high school students?

A: It’s a great job. You can tailor your studies

to what you like. The stress level is low, the dress is casual (points to his shorts, rubber clogs, and t-shirt smiling), and the work is interesting. There are boring things as in any job, but generally it’s really interesting. New projects always come up. It’s not usually mundane.

Q: How would you recommend that a student prepares for this career?

A: Take all the math and science you can. English is important too…it all comes down to expressing what you found in an understandable way or you’re just spinning your wheels. Don’t worry about Marine Biology [courses] in 9^th grade. Take good general science and wait to learn the fancy stuff, all the names and stuff, in grad [graduate] school. You don’t need to go straight through. You can get a Bachelor’s degree, get an entry-level job, and see if you like it. NOAA supports returning to school and helps with tuition. You can blend your work with your Masters thesis project. Andy confers with Darin Schuster, one of the crane operators as the camera array is recovered on day 3.

June 8, 2006March 18, 2021

Nancy McClintock, June 8, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Nancy McClintock and Mark Silverman
Onboard NASA Ship Freedom Star
June 7 – 14, 2006

Mission: Pre-closure evaluation of habitat and fish assemblages in five proposed no fishing zones in the South Atlantic.
Geographical Area: South Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 8, 2006

Early morning sunrise 50 miles off the coast of North Florida viewed from the deck

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: unlimited
Wind direction: S/W
Average wind speed: 7 knots
Wave height: 1-2’
Air temperature: 78^oF/25^oC
Cloud cover: None
Barometric pressure: 1011 mb

Science and Technology Log

The FREEDOM STAR left Port Canaveral at 0010 and traveled 92.3 miles north during the night of June 7. At about 0800 the CTD was launched and recovered successfully in the Option 2 area about 50 miles off the coast of North Florida. A fish trap baited with Spanish mackerel was deployed with high-flyer floats as markers for a later retrieval. After overcoming a few difficulties, the ROV was launched to a depth of 207’ and rested on the ocean floor. Visibility was excellent and two successful transects were accomplished. The bottom consisted of mixed hard bottom that visibly contained invertebrate species such as black coral, Oculina varicosa coral, Lophelia pertusa and other branching corals as well as basket sponges and various algae. In addition, sand with several good ledges was encountered. The fish were most prolific in areas where the most relief was seen. Fish species spotted included tomtate grunts, scamp (a type of grouper), three types of porgies, blue angelfish, reef, bank and spot fin butterfly fish, blue and queen angel fish, almaco and greater amberjacks, yellow tail reef fish and many other types of damsel fish, filefish, scrawled cowfish, and Cuban hogfish. After the ROV run, the fish trap was retrieved with two red porgies that were measured and released. The camera array with four video cameras was dropped to the ocean floor for 30 minutes and then retrieved. After cruising approximately 26 miles north, a similar protocol at Option 1 was repeated.

Recording digital images relayed from the ROV at 207 feet below the surface of the ocean.

Personal Log

The ignition of the diesel engines and the roar of the bow thrusters was just the beginning of my first real night as sea. I felt like I was in a flight simulator at an amusement park for six hours. I am beginning to get my “sea legs” and have learned that motion sickness medicine helps and that you have to stand with a wide stance without locking your knees to prevent losing your balance. Walking on deck in the early morning presented me with one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. What a wonderful way to begin a day! The deployment of the research equipment and the recording of data is a key component to the mission of this cruise. I recorded digital pictures with a laptop computer of the ocean floor images relayed from the ROV and helped wherever I could be of assistance. The retrieval of the almost-empty fish trap brought groans and moans from the crew. However, seeing a huge Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Caretta caretta, surface next to the ship will be in my dreams tonight.

Question of the Day

Answer to yesterday’s question: The FREEDOM STAR holds 44,000 gallons of diesel fuel in ten tanks. A gallon of diesel fuel costs approximately $2.25. Just imagine the fuel costs for this week! Today’s question: If the government designated certain areas as Marine Protected Areas and limited their public use, how would this affect the ocean ecosystem?

Deployment of the ROV by NOAA scientists and crewmembers at Option 2 from the rear deck of the FREEDOM STAR.

Addendum 1: Glossary of Terms

Millibar (mb): a unit of pressure equivalent to 1/1000 atmospheres of pressure.

Atmosphere: a unit of pressure that is the average air pressure at sea level.

Transect: a sample area taken along a straight line used to estimate populations and habitat coverage.

Option: Proposed areas for deep water MPA’s that are under evaluation. Each MPA has 2-3 Options for a total of eleven.

Prolific: found in abundance or in large amounts.

Relief: distance above or below relatively flat, featureless sea bottom.

Protocol: a series of steps and procedures used in an operation.

Addendum 2: Officers and Crew of the FREEDOM STAR

Captain: Walter Exell, Chief Mate: George Kirk, Second Mate: Mike Nicholas, Boatswain (Lead Seaman): Darrell Hoover ,Ordinary Seaman: Cody Gordon, Able Bodied Seaman: Allan Gravina, Cook : Patrick Downey, Retrieval (Crane Operator): Wayne Stewart, Retrieval (Crane Operator): Darin Schuster, Deck Supervisor : P.J. Zackel, Chief Engineer: Tim Freeley, Assistant Engineer: John Heer.

June 8, 2006March 18, 2021

Mark Silverman, June 8, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Mark Silverman
Onboard NASA Ship Freedom Star
June 7 – 14, 2006

Mission: Pre-closure evaluation of habitat and fish assemblages in five proposed no fishing zones in the South Atlantic.
Geographical Area: South Atlantic Ocean
Date: June 8, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: unlimited
Wind direction: S/W
Average wind speed: 7 knots
Wave height: 1-2’
Air temperature: 78^oF/25^oC
Cloud cover: None
Barometric pressure: 1011 mb

Members of the science team and crew prepare to deploy the ROV in Option 2 off the coast of North Florida aboard the NASA ship FREEDOM STAR. — Members of the science team and crew prepare to deploy the ROV off the coast of North Florida

Science and Technology Log

This morning at about 0800 the CTD was launched and recovered successfully in the Option 2 area about 50 miles off the coast of North Florida. Next, a fish trap baited with Spanish mackerel was launched. After overcoming a few difficulties, the ROV was launched in about 200’ of water around 1000. Visibility was excellent and two successful transects were accomplished. The bottom consisted of mixed hard bottom and sand with several good ledges encountered. The hard bottom visibly contained invertebrate species such as black coral, Oculina varicosa coral, Lophelia pertusa and other branching corals as well as basket sponges and various algae. A number of species of fish were spotted. The fish were most prolific in areas where the most relief was seen. Fish species spotted included tomtate grunts, scamp (a type of grouper), three types of porgies, blue angel fish, reef, bank and spot fin butterfly fish, blue and queen angel fish, almaco and greater amber jacks, yellow tail reef fish and many other types of damsel fish, filefish, scrawled cow fish, and Cuban hogfish. After the ROV run, the fish trap was recovered after soaking about 2 hours. Two red porgies were measured and released. Finally, the camera array was soaked for 30 minutes. We moved about 2 hours north and repeated a similar protocol at Option 1. The FREEDOM STAR traveled 134.5 miles north during the night of June 8-9.

Mark Silverman, NOAA Teacher at Sea, practices the use of his “Gumby” survival suite. The suit is designed to assist survival at sea should a ship go down.

Personal Log

Last night I slept well as we sailed from port to today’s destination. The hum of the motors and the rocking of the ship lulled me to sleep. Today I awoke a little woozy from the seasick medicine I took as a precaution and remained that way for most of the day. I will not take any more as the weather is fine. After breakfast I sat outside on deck and read my Bible for a short while as we finished our travel, it was very peaceful. Once again we were served excellent meals. The day consisted of flurries of activity and periods of waiting which I used to write my log and debug the email program. Just about everyone came out on deck to see what the fish traps brought up. I also assisted taking ROV still photos and deploying and recovering gear. Everyone is settling into the routine of life at sea. The crew watches movies, plays cards, and fishes during the down time, but they work extremely hard when called on, which is often. The ocean is beautiful below an endless sky, deep blue, calm and spotted with patches of Sargassum weed, a brown alga. Only a few boats have been spotted all day. I look forward to subtle changes as we move up the coast toward Cape Fear, North Carolina. Perhaps if the crew is lucky this evening we will eat fresh fish tomorrow! Hello to all my friends, students, and family out there!

“The weather is here, wish you were beautiful.” – Jimmy Buffett

Question of the Day

Answer to yesterday’s question: The FREEDOM STAR holds 44,000 gallons of diesel fuel in ten tanks. A gallon of diesel fuel costs approximately $2.25. Just imagine the fuel costs for this week! Today’s question: Do you think the government should have the right to close certain areas of the ocean to public use and do you think closures would have a positive environmental impact?

An American alligator at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prior to departure. — An American alligator at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Addendum 1: Glossary of Terms

Millibar (mb): a unit of pressure equivalent to 1/1000 atmospheres of pressure. Atmosphere: a unit of pressure that is the average air pressure at sea level. Transect: a sample area taken along a straight line used to estimate populations and habitat coverage. Option: Proposed areas for deep water MPA’s that are under evaluation. Each MPA has 2-3 Options for a total of eleven. Prolific: found in abundant, large amounts. Relief: distance above or below relatively flat, featureless sea bottom. Protocol: a series of steps and procedures used in an operation. Lock: Enclosed area where ship can enter while water level between two bodies of water is raised or lowered.

Addendum 2: Officers and Crew of the FREEDOM STAR

Captain: Walter Exell; Chief Mate: George Kirk; Second Mate: Mike Nicholas; Boatswain (lead Seaman): Darrell Hoover; Ordinary Seaman: Cody Gordon; Able Bodied Seaman: Allan Gravina; Cook: Patrick Downey; Retrieval (Crane Operator): Wayne Stewart; Retrieval (Crane Operator): Darin Schuster; Deck Supervisor: P.J. Zackel; Chief Engineer: Tim Freeley; Assistant Engineer: John Heer.