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 13, 2006
Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: Fair to poor
Wind direction: ESE
Average wind speed: 7 knots
Wave height: 1-2’ SE
Air temperature: 75 oF
Sea temperature: 79 oF
Cloud cover: 100%
Barometric pressure: 10144 mb
Mark Silverman and Nancy McClintock conclude their awesome adventure. My memories truly will last a lifetime and I thank NOAA for giving me the opportunity to participate in this excellent program.
Science and Technology Log
The FREEDOM STAR traveled approximately 200 miles during the night toward Port Canaveral, our final destination. Wave height increased and then decreased as morning arrived. It will take approximately 15 minutes to go through the lock and then 1-½ hours to travel upriver to the dock at Hanger AF. The FREEDOM STAR is the sister ship of the LIBERTY STAR and they are both used in the recovery of rocket boosters for the NASA Space program. Before leaving the dock, the FREEDOM STAR takes on freshwater that is stored in two tanks totaling 17,000 gallons – this is non-potable water. 5,000 gallons of potable (drinkable) water is stored in a separate tank. Once the FREEDOM STR reaches the dock the wastewater goes through the city purification system before being released into open water. Testing of this water reveals that it is drinkable at this time. However, it is not used for drinking water. Legally, the wastewater can be released at sea, but the FREEDOM STAR does not do this.
Personal Log
The waves did not reach the expectations of 30 knots and the ship did not rock and roll as much as expected. This morning is very gloomy and much cooler due to the cloud cover. The viewing of Port Canaveral in the distance brings a certain element of excitement, as does going under the drawbridge and entering the lock. However, I am sad to reach the conclusion of this wonderful adventure. I have many wonderful memories and pictures to keep forever. I thank NOAA for selecting me and giving me this fantastic opportunity to enhance my life and the lives of my students.
Mike Nicholas, 2nd Mate, enters the lock at Port Canaveral as Allan Gravina, Able Bodied Seaman, looks on.
Question of the Day
Answer to yesterday’s question: In 330’ of sea water the pressure is equivalent to 10 atmospheres of pressure from the surface to outer space. The fish have difficulty withstanding the increase in pressure and, quite often, do not survive. Fish have swim bladders that help them keep position in the water. When they are brought to the surface from a deep depth, the pressure decrease causes the bladder to expand. Too much expansion kills the fish. Today’s question: How does it feel to be selected as a NOAA Teacher at Sea and spend six days on a NASA ship in the Atlantic Ocean?
Today’s answer: This has been one of the best experiences of my life and I can hardly wait to tell everyone about this cruise, the importance of exploring the ocean for scientific purposes, and show my pictures.
Interview with Marta Ribera
The ship passes beneath the drawbridge as it returns home to Port Canaveral.
Marta was born in Gainesville, Florida and moved to Barcelona, Spain at the age of 3 ½ years. She received an undergraduate degree with major emphasis in General Biology and a minor in Ecology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Following a year of graduate work in GIS, Marta received an internship at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Panama City and has been with NMFS for the past three years. On this cruise, Marta oversees the use of the CTDs (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) and records all data collected. The larger CTD (valued at $18,000) is used to record conductivity, temperature, depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and clarity of water. A smaller CTD (valued at $1,800) is placed on the ROV and records pressure, temperature, and depth of the ocean. At the Panama City Lab, Marta also works with multi-beam mapping, GIS, and is conducting a study on juvenile snapper with Stacey Harter. One of her goals is to complete a Master’s Degree in GIS applied to Fisheries and Marine Biology. “The best thing about my job is that I love the people with whom I work and nothing is ever the same.”
Marta Ribera and Andy David prepare the CTD for deployment, which recorded conductivity, temperature, and depth.
Interview with Mr. Wally Exell
Chief mate and Relief Captain of the M/V FREEDOM STAR
Mr. Exell is the Captain of the FREEDOM STAR for our NOAA cruise. He was born in Bermuda and received his education from the Merchant Marine School in England. Ever since he was young he wanted to go to sea. His love for the sea led him to working with the NASA Missile Retrieving program for the past 24 years. He has been with the FREEDOM STAR for the past 16 years. When at sea, he is on an active duty for 4 hours and then on stand down (on call) for 8 hours. “The best thing about my job is that my work is very unique and interesting and I am honored working with this Program and the great crew.”
Please see Mark Silverman’s logs for additional interviews.
Captain Wally Exell, FREEDOM STAR, stands outside the bridge visually checking our passage through the lock at Port Canaveral.
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 11, 2006
The sun begins its amazing show of lights as it sets on the shimmering water of the Atlantic Ocean signaling the conclusion of another wonderful day at sea.
Weather Data from Bridge – PM
Visibility: Good, 10 miles
Wind direction: S/W
Average wind speed: 14 knots
Wave height: 3-4’
Air temperature: 80oF
Sea temperature: 81.5 oF
Cloud cover: 35%
Barometric pressure: 1011 mb
Science and Technology Log
The FREEDOM STAR traveled through the night to the Georgia site and today’s operations began at 0815. We completed a CTD, two fish traps, and three ROV dives. Once again, one fish trap came up empty and the other one contained 37 porgies that were measured, logged, and then released. Our focus is the grouper and only those are kept for biological study. Today’s ROV dives reached depths of 225 – 334 feet. The ocean floor consists of sand, small rock outcrops, and a few small crevices.
Stacey Harter and Marta Ribera prepare fish traps
The ship is having difficulty staying on track because it is on the edge of the Gulf Stream. Several of the species observed are sea robin, arrow crab, saddle bass, red snapper, squid, flounder, rudderfish, eel, grunts, toadfish, and octopus. One large lionfish was seen. Due to the increased depth in the ocean floor, different species are observed. The camera array was not in operation today due to the strong currents that tend to flip over the cameras. Also, Captain Exell wanted to shorten the workday and start heading to Port Canaveral, approximately 200 miles.
Personal Log
Nancy stands by with buoy line as other members of the NOAA team stand by for deployment of the fish trap. The fish trap is retrieved approximately two hours later.
This is the best day ever! I slept great, the weather is fantastic, and the food is very delicious. However, Captain Exell just informed the crew and scientists that the tropical depression is now Tropical Storm Alberto and will be in our area of operations by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. We are definitely cutting short our cruise by two days and plan to be tied up at Port Canaveral by noon on Monday. Everyone is making the best of this news and is ready for a full day of work.
Everything is going very smoothly and I feel that I really know what I am supposed to do when in the Lab or on the rear deck. Patrick cooked fresh fish for lunch and it was so good. The food is really great and there is always so much of it. We got into the ice cream bars this evening – yum!!
Stacey Harter removes the ear bone from a grouper as darkness sets in. The ear bone is similar to a tree ring and reveals age and growth rate of the fish.
Be sure to read my interview with Patrick. Once again, my desk chair is rocking and rolling in synchronization with the ship. There are whitecaps on the ocean and there is a definite change in the weather. We are beginning to feel the first effects of Tropical Storm Alberto. I am a little uneasy, but know that the FREEDOM STAR is in the capable hands of the Captain. We may have a rough ride into the “house” (Port Canaveral), but I know we will arrive safely. Actually, this is very exciting because I have never been in a tropical storm. This is just one of the many things I will tell my students, friends, and family.
Question of the Day
Answer to yesterday’s question: One of the scientists said this afternoon that he felt, “Since oceans make up the majority of our planet, the only way to study our planet is to study the ocean.” This is a thought-provoking question written to have you start thinking about this. There is no right or wrong answer. Today’s question: How does the deep-sea water-pressure affect fish when they are caught and quickly brought to the surface?
Patrick Downey is preparing lunch on the barbeque, designed by the crew
Interview with Patrick Downey
Cook, M/V FREEDOM STAR
Patrick joined the Coast Guard as an FS 3 – Food Service Technician and has spent the last 5 ½ years with the FREEDOM STAR. He creates the menus, does all of the food shopping, and prepares all of the meals while at sea. Once a moth he prepares a food report and takes inventory of all food related items on the ship. When he goes shopping, it takes lot of shopping carts for all of the necessary items to feed the crew. He is constantly changing the menu and has to plan menus correlated to the weather conditions – even seasoned seamen are affected by the rough weather and high waves. When asked why he likes his job, Patrick replied,” I love the ocean and I have always liked being on boats. Especially, I like traveling with the space program and working with the great crew of the FREEDOM STAR.
Tony Freeley, FREEDOM STAR Chief Engineer, explains to Nancy the operations of the two diesel engines while touring the engine room.
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: 72oF
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
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 9th 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.
NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006
Mission: Hydrography survey Geographical area of cruise: Alaska Date: June 1, 2006
Alaskan beauty, Humpback Whale in the distance
Weather data from bridge
Visibility: 8.0 miles
Wind direction: 0 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: calm winds
Sea level pressure: 1019 mb
Present weather: light sprinkles, partly sunny, calm seas
Temperature: 51 deg. wet/dry 52 deg.
Science and Technology Log
Alaska has to be one of the most beautiful places on the Earth. Add to this working aboard a beautiful ship like the RAINIER with a wonderful crew and it equals a really good time. I saw a variety of wildlife I never thought I would see up close and personal. I also learned so much about hydrography. Before this trip I didn’t know the term even existed.
Beautiful sunsets aboard RAINIER!
NOAA provides a wealth of data and information for the general public, private industries, and scientists all over the world. The trip aboard the RAINIER is a lifetime experience that I will cherish and remember. Any teachers reading this log who have thought about applying for the Teacher at Sea Program ,but for some reason haven’t done so yet, need to apply NOW! If you like to learn new things, meet interesting people, see fascinating wildlife, and see extraordinarily beautiful scenery, than a trip aboard the RAINIER is your ticket. The staff at NOAA, take care of all the travel arrangements— all you have to do is be at the airport on time. I have had the best time of my life. I have been to teacher camps, workshops, and conventions all around the country, but none compare to my time aboard the RAINIER.
XO of the RAINIER: Julia Neander
Captain Guy Noll and XO Julia Neander have gone out of their way to ensure that I was involved in the activities aboard the ship and a part of the crew. The crew on board the RAINIER, are very helpful and all of them have made my stay at sea a pleasurable experience. I hope I have the opportunity to partake in this program again. Thanks again to the crew of the RAINIER and the staff at NOAA for taking care of everything. In the 19 years I have been teaching this has been one of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities of my career. If you are a teacher thinking about the Teacher at Sea Program, wait no longer, apply today!
Personal Log
Captain of the RAINIER: Guy Noll
Terrific, outstanding, excellent, a perfect 10 on the rating scale of what an exciting teacher learning experience should be. I can’t wait for school to start to share this trip with my students. Developing lessons that correlate with my experience should be quite easy due to the wealth of information I attained from the crew of the NOAA ship RAINIER. Today I helped them take bottom samples from around the area.
Question of the Day
FOR TEACHERS: How do I apply for the Teacher at Sea Program? ANSWER: go here.
Erin Campbell-Survey TechCarl Verplank-Seaman SurveyorThis could be you working aboard a NOAA science research vessel.
Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 10 nautical miles (nm)
Wind direction: 130°
Wind speed: 7kt
Sea wave height: 0 ft.
Sea water temp: 10.2
Sea level pressure: 1030.0 mb
Present weather: Mostly cloudy
Temperature: °C~ 9.0 dry/7.5wet
Science and Technology Log
The ship continued to perform the Gulf of Esquibel data collection. Today, however, the ship used the Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP), also known as the “Fish,” in place of the Seacat to provide multiple vertical profiles of the water’s data to include sound velocity and the CTD cast. Two advantages of using the MVP are 1) the ship does not have to come to a complete stop and 2) it is automatically deployed from the ship or initiated by the MVP operator without the need for deck personnel. Once the MVP has created the profile, the survey tech is able to immediately view the data.
I witnessed the operation of the anchor as we prepared to leave San Fernando Island. As able seamen positioned themselves on the ship’s bow to raise the anchor, it was clear that it is a major undertaking dependent upon teamwork. There are two anchors, one on the port side (north left) of the ship and the other on the starboard side (north right) of the ship, that are alternately used. Each anchor has eight shots of chain. One shot of chain is equivalent to 90 feet. Of the eight shots of chain, there are selected color-coded chains in red, white, blue and yellow. These color-coded combinations allow the able seamen to determine how many shots to drop in the water and how many shots have been dropped in the water. As a rule, the number of shots dropped should be three to five times the depth of the water which is measured in fathoms. One fathom of water equals six feet.
Personal Log
Thanks Able Seaman Grayeagle for letting me read your book, Whittier–The Strangest Town in Alaska, truly a memorable nugget.
Question of the Day
Geospatial Semester and Environmental Science Students
Solve the following problem: The FAIRWEATHER Ship dropped anchor in 35 fathoms of water. 1) What is the depth of the water in feet, 2) At least how many shots of chain should be dropped, and 3) Approximately how much chain is left out of the water?
A Profile of Ensign Matthew Glazewski
Ensign Glazewski is the newest Junior Officer aboard the NOAA Ship FAIRWEATHER. As a Junior Officer, he has several collateral duties in ship management — Tides, Training Assistant, Weather, Discharge Certificates and Mess Treasurer. He graduated from Penn State University, PA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology in 2005. His concentration of courses included Calculus, Physics and Weather Systems. His initial interest in meteorology began at an early age when he became curious about why trees fell on his parents’ home. Matthew, nicknamed Matt, has an interest in tropical meteorology and has completed a case study of a 1975 tropical cyclone that traveled north while maintaining its characteristics in northern latitudes. A short-term career goal for Matt is to pursue graduate studies in order to obtain a Master’s degree in Ocean Atmosphere Interaction. His long-term career goal is to become an expert in the field of marine forecasting.
Matt wanted to become an Officer in the NOAA Officer Corps instead of working as a civilian. He believes that his experience on the NOAA ship FAIRWEATHER gives him an opportunity to see and apply what he has studied at Penn State and provides him with a better understanding of factors that influence small-scale climates.
