Untitled Document
15 July 2005
MASTER
NOAA Fisheries Research Vessel DELAWARE II
CRUISE INSTRUCTIONS: DE 05-10, Large Whale Biology Survey
Cruise Period: Leg I: on or about July 27 – August 18, 2005
Area of Operations: Coastal, shelf and shelf-edge waters between the Great
South Channel/Cape Cod and the Nova Scotian Shelf (including Georges Bank, the
Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy and the Scotian Shelf to Halifax, Nova Scotia).
The survey area (Figure 1) includes waters within Canada's Exclusive Economic
Zone.
Objectives: The primary objectives of the cruise are to survey offshore areas
for right whales, conduct oceanographic sampling in areas of right whales, and
to photographically identify and collect biopsy samples from individuals for
population analyses. Specific goals include: (1) coverage of previously unsurveyed
offshore habitats to assess distribution and habitat use of right whales; (2)
conduct oceanographic sampling using an Optical Plankton Counter (OPC) and bongo
nets to assess right whale food resources; and (3) photograph and biopsy sample
right whales for individual identification and genetic analyses. Operations
during this cruise may be coordinated with concurrent aerial surveys over the
Northeast Peak of Georges Bank, flown by NOAA Twin Otters.
Itinerary (planned)
July 27: Load scientific gear, embark scientific personnel and depart NEFSC,
Woods Hole, MA, by 1400 hours to begin Part 1.
Jul. 27 – Aug. 18: Conduct cruise as described in Operational Plans.
August 18: Arrive NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA, offload scientific equipment and disembark
scientific personnel.
Operational Plans: Proceed from NEFSC, Woods Hole at approximately 1400 on
27 July and steam to the Southeast Part of Georges Bank; precise location will
be determined prior to sailing based upon sighting reports from NOAA Twin Otters.
The survey area is anticipated to include the waters from Southeast Part of
Georges Bank and the Northeast Peak to Roseway Basin on the Scotian Shelf and
the Bay of Fundy. On or about 18 August, DELAWARE II will arrive in Woods Hole.
Vessel movements during the cruise will depend upon weather, whale sightings
and perhaps other factors; some areas may be surveyed more than once. Some work
may be briefly conducted on the way back to Woods Hole at the end of the cruise;
potential areas of operation also include the edges (northern and southern)
of Georges Bank and the Great South Channel. The vessel may be requested to
transit overnight to one of the other study areas.
Marine mammal searching operations will be conducted during daylight hours
(approximately 0700-1800) using both systematic and non-random (point to point)
track lines. The determination of track lines will be made while underway and
will depend upon weather and the location of whales.
Scientific personnel will form a single sighting team of three observers during
survey operations. Two individuals will search from the bow to the beam on either
side using Big Eye or Little Eye binoculars. The third member of the team will
be positioned in the middle and will act as data recorder as well as scanning
using naked eye and hand-held binoculars; a fourth observer may be present to
act as an independent observer and assist with survey tasks as needed. When
on watch, all observer positions will be rotated every 30 minutes. Big-Eye observers
will search using naked-eye or 7x50 binoculars when visibility is hampered by
weather or sea state.
If another vessel should impede our path while on a transect between oceanographic
stations, the bridge should radio the observers and inform them the ship will
be going off track. The DELAWARE II should then maneuver such that it can return
to where it originally broke track and resume course and speed once the obstacle
is past. Observers will cease all scanning during the break.
Position, date, time, speed, course, temperature, depth and other variables
will be obtained from the ship computer system (SCS). These data will be routinely
collected every 15 seconds during survey operations or at the discretion of
the Chief Scientist. Sightings data will be entered using a hand-held at-sea
data entry system "pingle". All sighted marine mammal species will
be recorded.
When large whales are sighted, at the discretion of the Master and Chief Scientist,
the vessel may break track to facilitate species identification. If right or
blue whales are sighted, the vessel will break track to approach them in order
to obtain photographs for the purpose of individual identification, and to determine
behavior. Upon request of the Chief Scientist one or both of the rigid-bottom
inflatable boats (RHIB) may be deployed with a certified boat operator and three
or four members of the team to obtain photographs and possibly skin biopsies.
The decision concerning deployment will depend upon weather conditions and by
the number and movements of the encountered whales (e.g., too many animals to
photograph from DELAWARE II alone, or animals moving around in such a manner
that the greater speed of the inflatable is necessary to approach them), subject
to the agreement of the Master.
DELAWARE II may also be requested to approach other large whale species for
individual identification and biopsy. Oceanographic sampling will be conducted
within a systematic grid in the areas of Roseway Basin and the Bay of Fundy
(spreadsheet with each station’s latitude and longitude attached). Oceanographic
sampling will be opportunistic on Georges Bank, conducted in as close proximity
to feeding right whales as possible.
The oceanographic sampling instrumentation will consist of a Seabird CTD and
an Optical Plankton Counter (OPC) mounted on a small cage (three feet tall by
two feet in diameter). A pdf wiring diagram of the required sea cable connection
is attached. We request that the sea cable termination be thoroughly tested.
If the poured termination is older than 2 months, it should be cut and re-poured.
All three conductors and the cable armor will be used individually for this
cruise to accommodate both instruments being deployed in "real time"
(OPC = cable armor and an internal conductor, CTD = 2 internal conductors).
The OPC will be powered thru a deck box. The CTD will use an RS232 protocol.
A safety line will be used at all times on the OPC/CTD package. A torque grip
(provided by the Oceanographic Sampling Branch) will be put on the sea cable
above the cage and a line of suitable breaking strength will be attached to
the instrument cage.
A separate CTD will be used for bongo net sampling. Note that the "y"
cable will have to be used in line with the CTD during bongo hauls. 102µm
net tows will be conducted at the surface (no cable required) at bongo stations
to assess Alexandruim biotoxin levels. Samples will be preserved using formalin
and ethanol.
Whale disentanglement support will be given to the degree possible, and under
the consultation of both the Chief Scientist and Master/CO. Support may include
visual tracking of an entangled whale from the flying bridge of the DELAWARE
II or the placement of a telemetry buoy on any trailing line by qualified disentanglement
first responders. Scientific personnel may work collaboratively with other institutions
to the degree acceptable to the Master/CO and Chief Scientist. The cutting of
any lines on a whale should not be done without authorization from the Center
for Coastal Studies Disentanglement Team.
If marine mammal carcasses are sighted, the vessel will break track to approach
them to obtain photographs. Upon request of the Chief Scientist, one of the
rigid-bottom inflatable boats (RHIB) may be deployed with a certified boat operator
and three members of the team to obtain tissue, urine and fecal samples for
toxin and trauma analyses. If feasible, the entire carcass of any small marine
mammals or seabirds will be collected and stored in the ship’s scientific
freezer. Large whale carcasses will be marked to prevent resampling. Safety
protocols for all aspects of the proposed carcass sampling will be provided
to the Commanding Officer prior to departure.
Hazardous materials: The Chief Scientist shall be responsible for complying
with MOCDOC 15, Fleet Environmental Compliance #07, Hazardous Material and Hazardous
Waste Management Requirements for Visiting Scientists, released July 2002. The
MOCDOC web site address is: http://205.156.48.106/
By Federal regulations and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations policy, the
ship may not sail without a complete inventory of all hazardous materials by
name and the anticipated quantity brought aboard, MSDS and appropriate neutralizing
agents, buffers, and/or absorbents in amounts adequate to address spills of
a size equal to the amount of chemicals brought aboard and a chemical hygiene
plan. The Chief Scientist shall account for the amount of hazardous material
arriving and leaving the vessel.
Data Management: Sightings and oceanographic data will be processed and computerized
at the NEFSC Laboratory at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Photographic data for
the purpose of individual identification will also be processed at the NEFSC,
with assistance from external cataloguing organizations. Biopsy and tissue samples
will be archived at the NEFSC until the appropriate processing organization
is identified. Tissue collection and distribution will be conducted under authority
of Marine Mammal and Endangered Species Scientific Permit # 917.
ROSCOP 3 forms (IOC SC-90/WS-23) will be completed and forwarded to NODC, Washington,
DC. A cruise report, and a completed "Ship Operations Evaluation Form,"
will be submitted to the NEFSC Vessel Coordinator within 20 days following the
completion of the cruise.
Certified Boat Operators - Under NAO217-103 MANAGEMENT OF NOAA SMALL BOATS,
certified small boat operators must have current CPR and First Aid certification
as well as a Small Boat Safety course which includes classroom and on water
components. Photocopies of the small boat operators required documentation must
be provided to the Master of the vessel prior to any cruise which conducts small
boat operations. Boat Operators included on this cruise are; Cole, Duley, Nicolas
and Niemeyer.
Communications: Routine communications will be conducted between DELAWARE II
and KAC Woods Hole via e-mail. Daily transmission times will be set during the
pre-cruise meeting. Voice communications are available (Iridium satellite phone,
cellular phone, INMARSAT A or HF Radio (2613.0 kHz)) if needed.
Medical Clearances: NOAA Fleet Medical Policy requires all personnel embarking
on NOAA vessels to furnish a completed copy of the NOAA Health Services Questionnaire
(NHSQ) to the ship no later than seven days in advance of sailing. The Chief
of the Program or Investigation responsible for the scientific conduct of the
cruise is responsible for the timely submission of NHSQ's for scientific personnel
to the ship.
Miscellaneous:
Watches: Vessel operations will be conducted continuously 11 hours per day.
The scientific watch schedule will be 0700-1800. Marine mammal scientific personnel
will be on duty during these hours.
Meals: A scientific complement of 8 persons (provisionally 3 females, 5 males)
will be provided meals beginning with the day of sailing, and continuing until
termination of the cruise.
Post-Cruise Meeting: A formal post-cruise meeting will be held aboard the vessel
immediately at the completion of the cruise. The Master, Port Captain, Scientific
Vessel Coordinator, Chief Scientist and whomever is detailed will attend. The
Port Captain will be responsible for the disposition of the minutes of the meeting.
Personnel List (Scientific):
Name Title Organization
1. Tim Cole Chief Scientist NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
2. John Nicolas Marine Mammal Spec NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
3. Peter Duley PSB Contractor NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
4. Misty Niemeyer PSB Contractor NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
5. Chris Tremblay PSB Contractor NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
6. Nadine Lysiak PSB Contractor NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole, MA
Equipment and Supply List: The following equipment will be placed aboard the
R/V DELAWARE II prior to departure.
ITEM QUANTITY FURNISHED BY
1. Biopsy systems (4 crossbows, 6 NMFS, NEFSC, Woods Hole
2 pole darts)
2. Pelorus for measuring sighting 2 " " " "
angles (to be mounted at each
sighting position)
3. Hand-held binoculars 2 " " " "
4. "Big Eye" (or "Little Eye") 2 " " " "
binoculars & recording table
5. Field guides, photoid catalogs 2
6. Sighting and biopsy logs ample " " " "
7. Biopsy sampling supplies ample " " " "
8. Rigid bottom inflatable boat, 1 " " " "
Cradle, outboard motors
and other associated gear
9. Life vests, exposure suits ample " " " "
10. Photographic equipment ample " " " "
11. Portable computers 2 " " " "
12. "Bigeye" stands 2 DELAWARE II
13. Jettison rack for gasoline 1 "
14. OPC and rosette 1 WHOI
15. 333um bongo net 1 WHOI
16. 30um net (hand tow) 1 WHOI
Biopsy sampling supplies include formalin. MSDS sheet will be provided.
Clearances for NOAA FRV DELAWARE II Cruise 03-07, Large Whale Biology Survey
___________________________ ___________________________
Nicholas A. Prahl Michael P. Sissenwine
Director Science and Research Director
Atlantic Marine Center Northeast Region
Appendix:
Relationships: The Master is the final authority aboard the ship. He/she is
responsible for the safety of the ship, all personnel and permanent equipment.
He/she is responsible for the comfort and morale of all personnel and the conduct
of the crew.
The Chief Scientist is responsible for the conduct of scientific personnel.
He/she is responsible for organizing and implementing the scientific activities
aboard the ship to assure objectives of the cruise are met.
While aboard the ship the scientific party is under the supervision of the
Chief Scientist/Watch Chief regardless of an individual's level or level of
responsibility while on land.
Safety Rules The following are the minimum precautions that must be adhered
to at all times:
1. Scientists must wear hard hats when on deck and equipment handling operations
are being conducted on the main deck.
2. Scientists must wear either a flotation vest or jacket when working near
an area of the vessel not protected by either a bulwark or permanent railing.
3. Scientists must wear life vests at all times when in RHIB, including embarking
and disembarking.
4. Formaldehyde and other caustic chemicals must be stored in areas that will
minimize the possibility of spillage and container breakage.
5. Appropriate apparel/equipment must be used when handling caustic chemicals.
6. No smoking will be permitted near flammable chemicals or in the staterooms,
galley, port side laboratory, or other labeled areas.
7. No smoking will be permitted during fueling of small boats.
Figure 1. Planned area of operations (dark shading) for NOAA FRV DELAWARE II
Cruise 05-10, Large Whale Biology Survey, scheduled to be conducted during July
18 – August 25, 2005.