trawl survey – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

September 16, 2024September 25, 2024

Sam Garson: What’s in a Name, September 15, 2024

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Sam Garson

Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow

September 6–25, 2024

Mission: Leg 1 of Fall Bottom Trawl Survey

Geographic Area of Cruise: Mid-Atlantic Ocean

Date: September 15, 2024

Weather Data from the Bridge:

Latitude: 36°57’37.2″N
Longitude: 76°03’19.6″W
Wind Speed: NE 22 kt
Air Temperature: 22.8°C (73°F)

Science and Technology Log

The oceans are home to a huge variety of fish species, many of which remain understudied. But thanks to the work of scientists like Matthew Girard and Katherine Bemis, we are gaining deeper insights into marine biodiversity through innovative approaches in fish genomics and imagery. In this blog, I will highlight their cutting-edge research, which merges advanced technologies with traditional fieldwork, ultimately providing critical data for understanding fish species and their role in the ecosystem.

Part of the team on this leg of the cruise are two scientists from the Smithsonian National Museum and NOAA National Systematics Lab. Katherine Bemis and Matthew Girard are prominent scientists in marine research, each bringing unique expertise to the study of fish. Katherine Bemis, based at the Smithsonian National Systematics Lab, specializes in ichthyology—the study of fish. Her work primarily focuses on taxonomy, systematics, and evolutionary biology. Matthew Girard, also deeply involved in marine research, works alongside Bemis, bringing technical expertise in genomics and digital imaging of fish species. Together, their collaboration has allowed for more detailed cataloging and understanding of fish species than ever before, blending traditional identification methods with modern genomic technology and high-resolution imagery.

a combined image on a black background: in the lower portion, we see a highly magnified image of a preserved specimen of a fish. center, as if its swimming toward us, is a detailed computer-generated image of the same fish swimming toward the viewer, but alive, with pectoral fins outspread, and long ribbon-like additional fins — Matthew’s work looks at using genomics to identify larval stages of fish. Photo Credit: Matthew Girard

Genomics has become extremely important in the study of marine science. By sequencing the DNA of fish species, Bemis and Girard are able to delve into the genetic blueprint of marine organisms. This genomic data provides key insights into species identification, evolutionary relationships, and population dynamics.

For instance, genomics helps differentiate between species that are visually similar, a task that can be challenging through morphology alone. It also enables scientists to track genetic diversity within populations, which is essential for conservation efforts and for predicting how species might adapt to environmental changes.

This work is also critical in the use of eDNA. Once you extract DNA from the environment you need a database to compare your samples against in order to identify the source of that DNA. Girard’s work at the Smithsonian is key to building out that database to further allow the technology of eDNA to continue to advance our ability to sample and track biology in the aquatic environment.

a graphic in the shape of a wheel with lines radiating out from the center and segmenting as species diverge. there are hundreds, branching many times and terminating as dots (each representing one species) on the outer ring of the circle. most dots are yellow, some are blue or purple. there is no text. — Phylogenic relationships are part of the body of work benefiting from genomics. Photo Credit: Matthew Girard

Through their work, Bemis and Girard have contributed to a growing database of fish genomes, which not only advances scientific understanding but also aids in the development of sustainable fisheries practices. Their research helps identify populations that may be at risk of overfishing or those that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Genomics also provides critical data for protecting endangered species, by better understanding their genetic health and resilience.

In addition to genomics, Bemis and Girard utilize cutting-edge digital imagery techniques to capture detailed, high-resolution images of fish specimens. These images, taken with specialized equipment, allow for the preservation of visual data without the need to retain large physical collections. This is especially valuable for rare or endangered species, as it minimizes the need for destructive sampling while still providing detailed anatomical information.

Using 3D imaging technologies, Girard has been able to create digital models of fish that offer unprecedented detail in studying their external features. These models are used for both scientific analysis and educational purposes, allowing researchers and the public to explore the physical traits of various fish species with incredible accuracy. These images can also be archived and shared globally, making them a critical resource for future research. Furthermore, fish imagery helps to bridge the gap between fieldwork and laboratory analysis. With high-resolution images, researchers can collaborate across institutions and countries, comparing specimens in real time. This visual data aids in species identification, the study of evolutionary traits, and understanding how fish adapt to different environments.

three people, wearing dark sweatshirts, stand the lab with a makeshift photo booth. a camera on a tripod covered in a black cloth is set facing away from this camera. a glass tank contains a mounted fish. behind that tank is a black curtain. bright lights on stands are mounted to illuminate the fish. the man in the foreground faces away from our camera, working on something off to his left. — Bemis and Girard preparing a sample to be photographed in high resolution for addition to their cataloguing efforts.
Photo Credit: Sam Garson

The Bigger Picture
Katherine Bemis and Matthew Girard’s work demonstrates how science is evolving to meet the challenges of understanding and conserving marine life in the 21st century. By integrating genomics and digital imagery, they are contributing to a growing body of knowledge that is critical for managing marine biodiversity. Their research supports NOAA’s broader mission of ensuring the sustainability of our oceans by informing policy decisions, fisheries management, and conservation efforts. As climate change and human activity continue to impact marine ecosystems, their work is more relevant than ever.

Looking Forward
As I learn more about the technology and techniques used in marine science, I am excited to bring these insights back to my classroom. Katherine Bemis and Matthew Girard’s approach to fish genomics and imagery not only showcases the power of collaboration but also highlights the importance of merging traditional and modern scientific methods. This research underscores the fact that there is still so much to discover about the creatures that inhabit our oceans, and I look forward to sharing this journey of exploration and discovery with my students. I also find the connection between the science of the catalogue and the artist nature of the documentation to be really amazing. Seeing the high level imagery and beauty of the photos is something that again reminds me the importance of arts being present and used in science.

a highly detailed photo of an unidentified fish specimen against a black background — Example of the results of the photographic techniques used by Kate and Matt in the shipboard photo studio they have developed over the last 5 years. Photo Credit: Smithsonian

Personal Log

The nature of ship life can be unpredictable and with so many moving parts there are inevitable challenges. One of the things that has always impressed me is the ability of professional mariners to handle every challenge that comes their way and this cruise has proved to be no exception to the rule. A sudden issue in the power of our drive engines pushed the engineering team to respond, and troubleshoot, diagnose and repair the issue. This led to the ship needing to sail into Norfolk, VA for shoreside support in their repairs. This unexpected port call allowed us to be hosted by Erik Hilton at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to view their collection of fish specimens.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), established in 1940, is a research and educational institution located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, and is part of William & Mary. VIMS focuses on the study of coastal and marine environments, conducting research on fisheries, ecosystem health, and the effects of climate change on marine systems. One of its notable areas of work includes the collection and study of fish specimens, contributing to the understanding of fish populations and biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. These collections are used in long-term monitoring efforts and provide valuable data for research and management decisions. VIMS also provides scientific advice to government agencies and industries for sustainable resource management. Alongside its research initiatives, VIMS offers graduate programs in marine science and engages in public outreach to inform and educate the community on marine and coastal issues.

a man with glasses and a large gray beard stands in a collection room, holding something unidentifiable in his right hand, and his left hand outward as he explains something to an audience out of sight. behind him we see shelves of sample jars. — Eric Hilton explaining the history and scope of the VIMS collection samples

a man looks down at a preserved shark specimen in what appears to be a metal trawl or bin filled with a clear liquid - water, alcohol, formalin? on top is a metal shelf containing empty bottles; two other men speak with each other in the background — Eric Hilton explaining the history and scope of the VIMS collection samples

As we head into week 2 of the trawl the aspects of working at sea are all evident. We are planning around unpredictable weather, a complex mechanical and electrical system and the needs to get all of our data and sampling completed. We are headed into some of the diverse areas that should yield some diverse trawls and specimens so stay tuned!

Sam, wearing a t-shirt and bright orange overalls, stands in the wet lab holding a large tilefish up for a photo — Sam Garson during watch with a Tile Fish
Photo Credit: Sabrina Dahl

July 14, 2019

Hayden Roberts: Wet and Wild, July 14, 2019

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Hayden Roberts

Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II

July 8-19, 2019

Mission: Leg III of SEAMAP Summer Groundfish Survey

Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of Mexico

Date: July 14, 2019

Weather Data from the Bridge:
Latitude: 29.19° N
Longitude: 83.45° W
Wave Height: 1-2 feet
Wind Speed: 10 knots
Wind Direction: 180
Visibility: 10 nm
Air Temperature: 30.5°C
Barometric Pressure: 1019 mb
Sky: Few clouds

Science Log

NOAA Ship Oregon II includes many departments and sections of the ship. As part of the TAS program (Teacher at Sea), I spend most of my time assisting the research team in the wet lab, which occurs in 12-hour shifts. The wet lab is where each catch is brought after it is hauled aboard. The process involves bringing what we find in the trawling net on deck so that we can weigh, sort, count, and measure a subsample of what is found. Fortunately, we do not have to weigh and determine the sex of everything that comes aboard in the net; otherwise, it would take hours when the catch is large. By taking a subsample, fishery biologists can split the catch into percentages depending on the weight of the entire catch and sample size. This subsample’s diversity can then be used as a basis for the entire catch. This conserves our efforts and while still providing an accurate representation of what was caught.

Sorting the catch — Opening and sorting the catch.

In order to ensure that our leg of the groundfish survey covers the maximum area possible, NOAA uses a method called independent random sampling. A computer program randomly selects stations or research sites based on depth data and spatial area. By choosing random samples independently, fishery biologists can ensure that they have not inadvertently singled out or favored one area over another and that the data collected represents an accurate picture of the fish population in the Gulf. Previous legs of the groundfish survey this summer have focused on research stations along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf coast. Our sampling takes place along the Florida side of the Gulf. The goal is to hit 45-50 research sites during our trip.

So far, I have learned that the eastern side of Gulf can be more challenging to survey than the west. NOAA and its SEAMAP partners have covered less area in the eastern part of the Gulf. While the eastern Gulf is not exactly uncharted waters, NOAA is still perfecting its research techniques in this part of the Gulf. As early as the 1970s, NOAA has surveyed the muddy bottom of the western Gulf off the coast of Texas. In that part of the Gulf, silt from rivers (mostly the Mississippi) makes for a more uniform surface to trawl for fish samples. East of Mobile, Alabama, tends to be rocky and sandy with outcrops of coral and sponge. The craggy surface, while ideal for a host of aquatic species, can create challenges for collecting samples. With each research station we visit on our cruise, we have to be careful not to cause too much damage to the sea floor. Therefore, we have been using a torpedo-shaped probe to scan our trawling paths before we drop the net. While this doubles the time it takes to complete each research station, it does improve our odds of collecting good samples as well as protecting our trawling net from jagged objects that might tear the net.

Did You Know?

A fishery biologist is a scientist who studies fish and their habitats. As biologists, they mostly focus on the behavior of fish in their natural surroundings. Some biologists work mostly in a lab or sorting data in a research facility like NOAA’s office in Pascagoula, but many spend quite a bit of time collecting field samples in various ecological settings. To become a fishery biologist, scientists have to study botany, zoology, fishery management, and wildlife management as a prerequisite to a career in the fish and game biology field. A bachelor’s degree may be acceptable for managerial positions, but many fishery biologists have advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Doctorate.

Personal Log

At the beginning of the cruise, we conducted safety drills aboard Oregon II. Safety drills include fire, man overboard, and abandon ship. Each drill requires the crew to go to various parts of the ship. For fire, the research crew (including myself) heads to the stern (or back of the ship) to wait instructions and to be out of the way of the deck crew working the fire. For man overboard, we are instructed to keep eyes on the individual in the water, yelling for help, and throw life preservers in the water to help mark the person’s location. For abandon ship, the crew meets on the fore deck with their life jackets and “gumby” survival suits (see picture). If life rafts can be deployed, we put on our life jackets and all of us file into groups. If we have to jump into the water, we are asked to put on our red survival suits, which are a cross between a wetsuit and a personal inflatable raft.

Hayden in gumby suit — Practicing donning my survival suit.

I asked Acting Commanding Officer Andrew Ostapenko (normally the Executive Officer but is the acting “captain” of our cruise) about what we would do in the event of a storm. With a length of 170 feet and a width of 34 feet, Oregon II is large enough to handle normal summer squalls and moderate weather like the ones we have sailed through the first few days our trip, but it is important to avoid tropical storms or hurricanes (like Barry, which is gathering near the coast of Louisiana), which are just too big to contend. On the ship, the officers keep a constant watch on the weather forecast with real-time data feeds from the National Weather Service (NWS).

As part of my orientation to the ship, I took a tour of the safety features of Oregon II with the officer in charge of safety for our cruise, OPS Officer LT Ryan Belcher. He showed us what would happen in case of an emergency. There are 6 life rafts on board, and each can hold 16 people. Three rafts position on each side of the ship, and they automatically float free and inflate if that side of the ship goes underwater. An orange rescue boat can be deployed if someone falls overboard, but that craft is more It is more regularly used for man overboard drills and to support periodic dives for underwater hull inspections and maintenance.

NOAA Ship *Oregon II* funnel with radio and satellite receivers.

Foghorn is a device that uses sound to warn vehicles of navigational hazards and hazards or emergencies aboard the ship.

If an emergency on the ship did occur, it would be essential to send out a call for help. First, they would try the radio, but if radio communication no longer worked, we also have a satellite phone, EPIRBS (satellite beacons), and a radar reflector (that lets ships nearby know there is an emergency). On the lower tech end, old fashion emergency flares and parachute signals can be launched into the air so other ships could locate us.

June 19, 2017July 10, 2017

Chris Murdock: We’re not in Kansas (or Iowa) Anymore, June 12, 2017

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Chris Murdock

Aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II

June 7 – June 20, 2017

Mission: SEAMAP Groundfish Survey

Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of Mexico

Date: June 9 – June 12, 2017

Weather Data from the Bridge

Latitude: 27.0532N
Longitude: 96.3602W
Sea wave height: 4-6 ft
Wind Direction: 17 degrees
Windspeed: 17.31 knots
Air Temperature: 28.2 C
Barometric Pressure: 1010.9 mbar
Sky: Overcast

Science and Technology Blog

The main focus of this research cruise is stock assessment in the Gulf. This is done using a trawl net. Trawl nets are large nets with the intention of collecting a wide variety of organisms. The specific type of system used aboard the Oregon II is called an otter trawl, which is the most common type of trawl used in the Gulf of Mexico to harvest shrimp. This enormous net forms a large cone shape once deployed. A trawling net has several main components: The first are two areas called the headrope (top line) and footrope. The headrope has floats attached to it that provide flotation to the top portion of the net. The footrope has long chains (often called tickler chains due to the fact that they “tickle” the bottom of the ocean to stir up sea life) on the bottom side of the net. Attached to the net itself are large wooden boards, called otter boards that are located on the main cable between the ship and the net. Water resistance forces the doors to spread and open the net. Inevitably, the organisms caught get held in the cod end of the net, which is the tip of the cone.

Trawl-Diagram — An Otter Trawl (Terraproject.com)

IMG_4222[2] — One of *Oregon II’s trawl nets. These are switched out every ten tows to check for any structural issues.*

The types of organisms caught depends on both the depth of the net, as well as the mesh size (the spaces in between the net). All trawls on this cruise are done with the intention of collecting the three main commercial shrimp species of the Gulf, all under the genus Peneaus, which I will focus on in another blog post. The OOD (Officer Of the Deck) looks at the fathometer and electronic chart to determine how much scope to put out, and then relays pertinent water depth information to the deck crew, who then release the proper amount of tow line to bring the net to the desired depth. The net is carried behind the ship for 30 minutes at a speed of 2.5-2.8 knots. At that time, the dry lab relays to the deck to “haul up” the net. Depending on the depth the net is currently at, this can take almost a half hour!

Once the Otter boards have reached the surface, the net is then pulsed. This means that the ship returns to a speed of 6-8 knots with the intention of pushing the catch down into the cod end. At that time the ship slows again and the crew hauls the load onto the deck. This entire process is repeated at predetermined locations called stations. If all runs smoothly a typical 12 hour shift will run through 5-6 stations. I will focus about the actual process of sorting the catch in future blog posts.

IMG_4258[1].JPG — Pulling the haul aboard

IMG_4284[1].JPG — A beautiful Gulf sunset behind the trawling gear

Personal log:

The first few days of real work are in the books! I have genuinely loved every minute of my time here on the Oregon II so far. I am assigned the day shift, which is 12 noon to midnight. This is most similar to my normal schedule back in Iowa. Thankfully, I haven’t had to adjust my sleep schedule as a result. It has allowed me to get into a fairly constant rhythm on board. My pre-work schedule typically consists of waking up around 8:30am, eating a light breakfast, working out, and doing work on this blog. I must say the amount of time I have to write meaningful posts is not nearly as much as I anticipated. I could very easily spend all of my waking hours dedicated to uploading photos and videos and writing. I have been keeping a journal on the cruise whenever I have free time so I can go back and elaborate. Besides sorting out time management issues, everything else has been fantastic!

One of the biggest unexpected aspects of the cruise so far has been the food. I was anticipating eating a relatively basic diet while onboard. Boy was I wrong! The food has been absolutely fantastic, above and beyond my wildest expectations. That is in no short part to the wonderful stewards onboard, Arlene and Valerie. They bend over backwards making sure the crew of over 30 people are well fed. Every day has different food, and they are all very accommodating to any dietary restrictions. Roasted Duck is on the menu tonight, and I for one cannot wait!

I don’t know what I was expecting in terms of the type of work I would be doing, but this wasn’t it. I mentally prepared myself to become an expert at shrimp, but in reality I need to become an expert in latin. I routinely make my students memorize certain scientific names to organisms, but never to this extent. The first day of sorting I will admit was very overwhelming. Andre DeBose (the FPC) kept rattling names off to me like Synodus foetens, or Lutjanus campechanus, and all I kept saying to myself is “how in the world am I going to remember this”!? The first name I memorized was the Mexican flounder, or Cyclopsetta chittendeni. The first time I heard that my immediate though was “cyclops chicken dinner”? And just like that, I memorized my first species. After that if felt like every haul I was learning more and more. I am nowhere close to having them down, but I am making serious progress.

IMG_4114[1] — *Cyclopsetta chittendeni* or the “Mexican Flounder”. The defining characteristic of this fish is the Sombrero-shaped spots around it.

It was so exciting sorting through our various hauls, and seeing dozens of organisms I have never heard of before. To me that is the best part of this whole experience so far. I get to see things that many people (and most of you back in Iowa!) never get the chance to see. How cool is that? I will do my best to post photos of every different species I encounter, but as you can imagine that will not be an easy task.

So far, the most memorable haul for me has been the one depicted below. I have always been a monumental shark fan and advocate, but the only experience I get with them is during Shark Week and when my biology class dissects Squalus acanthius (The atlantic dogfish shark). That all changed when we pulled up two Sphyrna tiburo (The bonnethead, which is a type of hammerhead) sharks. It was very difficult to contain my excitement, but I had to remain focused at the task at hand and get to work. I will speak more at length about the sorting process in my next post, but normally we do not get to save the animals as most are collected for further research back on land. Thankfully we got the sharks weighed and measured and successfully returned them to the sea unharmed. It was a moment I will never forget. Again, I cannot say enough how lucky I am to get the opportunity to experience this amazing field work. I wake up each day like a child on Christmas Day, wondering what amazing secrets the Gulf has in store for me. The link to the haul can be seen here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8hm1tmtFyY

Fish Species Identified Today:

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September 28, 2013March 12, 2021

John Clark,Headed Home Early, October 1, 2014

NOAA Teacher at Sea
John Clark
Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
September 23 – October 4, 2013

Mission: Autumn Bottom Trawl Survey
Geographical Area of Cruise: North Atlantic
Date: October 1, 2013

Science and Technology Log

A few hours into our shift midnight we get the word we have been expecting for several days – government shutdown. Our mission will be cut a few days short. That reality means the Bigelow has 24 hours to return to its homeport of Newport, R.I. It takes us 10 hours and we dock around 1 in the afternoon. With our fisheries operations suddenly declared over comes clean-up time, and we spend the next 6 hours of our shift cleaning up the on‐board fish lab. It is a time consuming but important process. The lab needs to be spotless and “fish scent” free before we can call our work finished on this cruise. The lab is literally solid stainless steel and every surface gets washed and suds downed so there is no residue remaining.

Eau de fishes — Fish scales hiding under a flap!

Our work is inspected by a member of the crew. If it were the military, the officer would have had white gloves on I believe, just like in the old movies, rolling his finger over a remote spot looking for the dust we missed. But this is a shining stainless steel fish lab so there are two simultaneous inspections going on at once – the one with the eyes and the one with the nose. It takes us twice to pass the visual inspection as small collections of fish scales are spotted in a few out-of‐the way areas. It takes us one more pass to clear the smell inspection. Up and down the line we walk, we can all smell the faint lingering perfume of “eau de fishes,” but we are having trouble finding it. We keep following our noses and there it is. Hiding under a black rubber flap at the end of the fish sorting line we find a small collection of fish scales revealed when the flap is removed for inspection. With that little section cleaned up and sprayed down the lab is declared done! There is a smile of satisfaction from the team. It is that attention to detail that explains why the lab never smelled of fish when I first boarded the ship 10 days ago nor has it smelled of fish at any time during our voyage. There is a personal pride in leaving the lab in the same shape we found it. Super clean, all gear and samples stowed, and ready for the next crew to come on board – whenever that turns out to be.

The abrupt and unexpected end to the cruise leaves me scrambling to change my travel plans. Like the ship, I have a limited amount of time to make it home on my government travel orders. The NOAA Teacher at Sea team goes above and beyond to rebook my flights and find me a room for the night.

Personal Log

On the serendipitous side, the change in plans gives me a little time to see Newport, a town famous for its mansions and the Tennis Hall of Fame. My first stop is the Tennis Hall of Fame. My father was a first class tennis player who invested many hours attempting to

teach his son the game. Despite the passion in our home for the great sport we never made it to the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Today I get the chance to fulfill that bucket list goal. I still remember being court side as a young boy at The Philadelphia Indoor Championships watching the likes of Charlie Pasarell, Arthur Ashe, and Pancho Gonzales playing on the canvas tennis court that was stretched out over the basketball arena. There was even a picture of the grass court lawn of the Germantown Cricket Club from its days a USTA championship venue before the move to Forest Hill, NY. I grew up playing on those tennis courts as my father belonged to that club. Good memories.

Clark Log 4b

There was also a “court tennis” court, the game believed to be the precursor to outdoor tennis. Court tennis derived from playing a tennis type game inside a walled‐in court yard. Using the roof and the wall and the open side windows to beat your opponent is all part of the game. I played court tennis as a young teen. It’s a very unique game that is only played in a few spots now. There are only 38 court tennis courts in the world and Newport has two of them. If you like tennis, give court tennis a go if you ever get the chance.

The tennis court

Thoughts of a leisurely stroll evolve into a brisk walk as I head toward the ultimate and most famous Newport mansion: The Breakers, the 100,000 plus square foot summer home of the Vanderbilt family. This house has to be toured to understand the conspicuous consumption as a pastime of the then super rich. My 2000 square foot home would fit entirely inside the grand hall of the Breakers. In fact you could stack my home three high and they would still be below the Breaker’s ceiling. A ceiling inspired by Paris, a billiard room with walls of solid marble overlooking the ocean, a floor of thousands of mosaic floor tiles all put down by hand one by one, a stair case from Gone With the Wind, and 20 bathrooms to choose from all speak to the wealth and pursuit of elegance enjoyed by the Vanderbilt clan. It is a lifestyle of a bye–gone era often referred to as the “Gilded Age.” It is an apt description.

Clark Log 4d Clark Log 4e

After sightseeing, it’s off to the bus stop for my shuttle to the Newport Airport where I take off at dawn the next morning to head for home. I’m leaving so early that the complementary coffee isn’t out yet! After an uneventful flight comes the end to an amazing adventure. Nothing left now except laundry and memories. And lots of great ideas for lesson plans to work into my classes. Thank you NOAA Teacher at Sea Program for offering me the learning experience of a lifetime. I cannot wait to get back and share the experiences with my students.

September 27, 2013March 12, 2021

John Clark, September 27, 2013

NOAA Teacher at Sea John Clark

Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow

September 23 – October 4, 2013

Mission: Autumn Bottom Trawl Survey
Geographical Area of Cruise: North Atlantic
Date: September 27, 2013

Science and Technology Log

It’s going to be a busy night trawling and processing our catch. Yippee. I like being busy as the time passes more quickly and I learn about more fish. A large number of trawling areas are all clustered together for our shift. For the most part that means the time needed to collect data on one trawl is close to the amount of time needed for the ship to reach the next trawling area. The first trawl was a highlight for me as we collected, for the first time, a few puffer fish and one managed to stay inflated so I had a picture taken with that one.

However, on this night there was more than just puffer fish to be photographed with. On this night we caught the big one that didn’t get away. One trawl brings in an amazing catch of 6 very large striped bass and among them is a new record: The largest striped bass ever hauled in by NOAA Fisheries! The crew let me hold it up. It was very heavy and I kept hoping it would not start flopping around. I could just see myself letting go and watching it slip off the deck and back into the sea. Fortunately, our newly caught prize reacted passively to my photo op. I felt very lucky that the big fish was processed at the station I was working at. When Jakub put the big fish on the scale it was like a game show – special sounds were emitted from our speakers and out came the printed label confirming our prize – “FREEZ – biggest fish ever “-‐-‐the largest Morone Saxatilis (striped bass) ever caught by a NOAA Fisheries research ship. It was four feet long. I kept waiting for the balloons to come down from the ceiling.

Every member of the science team sorts fish but at the data collection tables my role in the fish lab is one of “recorder”. I’m teamed with another scientist who serves as the “cutter”, in this case Jakub. That person collects the information I enter into the computer. The amount of data collected depends on the quantity and type of fish caught in the net. I help record data on length, weight, sex, sexual development, diet, and scales. Sometimes fish specimens or parts of a fish, like the backbone of a goose fish, are preserved. On other occasions, fish, often the small ones are frozen for further study. Not every scientist can make it on to the Bigelow to be directly part of the trip so species data and samples are collected in accordance with their requests.

Collecting data from a fish as large as our striped bass is not easy. It is as big as the processing sink at our data collection station and it takes Jakub’s skill with a hacksaw-‐-‐yes I said hacksaw-‐-‐to open up the back of the head of the striped bass and retrieve the otolith, the two small bones found behind the head that are studied to determine age. When we were done, the fish was bagged and placed in the deep freeze for further study upon our return. On the good side we only froze one of the six striped bass that we caught so we got to enjoy some great seafood for dinner. The team filleted over 18 pounds of striped bass for the chef to cook up.

More Going On:

Processing the trawl is not the only data collection activity taking place on the Bigelow. Before most trawls begin the command comes down to “deploy the bongos”. They are actually a pair of closed end nets similar to nets used to catch butterflies only much longer. The name bongo comes from the deployment apparatus that holds the pair of nets. The top resembles a set of bongo drums with one net attached to each one. Their purpose, once deployed, is to collect plankton samples for further study. Many fish live off plankton until they are themselves eaten by a predator farther up the food chain so the health of plankton is critical to the success of the ecological food chain in the oceans.

Before some other trawls, comes the command to deploy the CTD device. When submerged to a target depth and running in the water as the ship steams forward, this long fire extinguisher sized device measures conductivity and temperature at specified depths of the ocean. It is another tool for measuring the health of the ocean and how current water conditions can impact the health of the marine life and also the food chain in the area.

Personal Log

On a personal note, I filleted a fish for the first time today – a flounder. Tanya, one of the science crew taught me how to do it. I was so excited about the outcome that I did another one!