Monthly Archives: May 2005

Carolyn Bielser, May 29, 2005

Posted on by Teacher at Sea

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 29, 2005

Weather Data from the Bridge
Cloud cover 50-60%
Weather – partly cloudy
Wave height – 0
Swell height – 0
Latitude- 3815.93 N
Longitude – 07423.00W
Air Temperature 16.6
Barometer – 1013.9
Salinity – 031.34
Wind speed –n4.89
Flurovalue – 325.5

Science and Technology Log 

The seas have been calm and the temperatures warmer.  We have been making our way south, now along the coast of Delaware. The clamming has been going better with the better weather and less breakdowns. We did have the power cable to the pump catch on fire, briefly. Earlier the power cable jumped a winch and got caught on a chain and damaged.  They must have missed a small hole when fixing it and it ended up burning the outer cover. We had to stop and take out the damaged portion of the cable and rewire the pump.

We are now moving east and north to conduct some setup depletion sites and the DE II depletion site. After that, we will try to finish up a major portion of the stations left in the mid-Atlantic bight.

Sensor package, trackpoint dredge tracking system and the FSCS are all working well.

We attached a video camera to the top of the dredge in order to observe the pump kicking on and the water jets working properly.  The jets shoot water down in front of the dredge and loosen up the sand so the dredge can be pulled through more easily.  The resulting video showed this to be working well. It was neat to see the dredge in action underwater.

Many of the tows result in few clams and lots of shells, rocks or periodically a ton of clay. We have seen a few interesting fish – a monkfish, a stargazer and a sea robin.  I think the fish surveys would be very interesting because they trawl with nets and you would see a lot more variety of fish.

Personal Log 

At the very least, I have gained a respect for the people who do this kind of fieldwork.  Without them, this information would not be collected and little would be known about the conditions of the ocean environment and the life in it.

Carolyn Bielser, May 28, 2005

Posted on by Teacher at Sea

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 28, 2005

Weather Data from the Bridge
Cloud cover – clear
Weather – clear
Wave height – 0.3
Swell height 0.4
Latitude 3958.66 N
Longitude 07400.65 W
Air temperature 24.8
Barometer 1009.6
Total Salinity 27.78
Wind Speed 14.17

Science and Technology Log

As of 0600 this morning, we reached station # 43. Beautiful morning, clear skies and getting warmer.  We are in an important area for this survey, off the coast of New Jersey, so some of the tows are repeated.  The dredge has been operating smoothly today.

Personal Log 

It is a beautiful morning out – clear skies and not cold.  I actually got an email from Jacqui. I have tried to send another one to school and hope something gets through.  I’m not doing so well with the pictures being sent, but I will bring them back – most of the action here takes place around this big dredge, so the dredge is the subject or background of many of my pictures.

On board are basically two groups that work together to make things happen.  The scientific group is composed of the Chief Scientist, the Watch Chiefs and the “scientists” (either volunteers, contracted employees or employees of NOAA).  The Chief Scientist in this case is Victor Nordahl. He is responsible for the conduct of the scientific personnel, organizing and implementing the scientific activities on board ship and making sure the cruise objectives are met.

The Watch Chiefs are responsible for directing and coordinating scientific activities on their watch.

The Master or C.O. is the final authority on board ship.  He is responsible for the safety of all on the ship, all personnel and equipment.  He is ultimately responsible for the comfort and morale of all.

On the scientific end, there are two watches.  The day watch is 0600 to noon, then 1800 to midnight.  The night watch goes noon to 1800 and midnight 0600.  So at any one time, half the scientific crew is working and half is sleeping.  So while we may have 14 people on the scientific end, you really are only crossing paths at change of watch.

The rest of the crew on board support the operation.  There are the fishermen who work a lot with the dredge, bringing it up and down; the engineer who takes care of the power end of the ship; the electrical technicians who are here for any electrical problems, and the cooks.

I got to climb up on top of the dredge today.  I should have taken a picture from the top– you would not have believed that I was up there!  I was clipped on though, so even if I slipped I would not have ended up in the ocean.  There are a lot of situations that could lead to an accident if you were not paying attention – safety is a big issue.  Hard hats are required whenever you are out on the deck; life vests are not mandatory if you are just going out on deck, but if you are dumping samples over the side or doing any climbing, they are definitely needed. The deck gets slippery and I think it would be pretty easy to go sliding down the deck and over the railing, so wearing a life vest is probably a pretty good idea all the time.

Carolyn Bielser, May 27, 2005

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NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 27, 2005

Weather Data from the Bridge
Cloud cover 100%
Weather drizzle
Wave height 1.3
Swell height 1.3
Latitude 3943.80 N
Longitude 07358.57W
Air temperature 10.8
Barometer 1007.4
Wind Direction 027.76
Wind speed 025.36

Scientific Log 

On this survey, we are most concerned with surf clams and quahogs; so here’s a little information on surf clams.

Surf Clam or Spisula Solidissima:   Identification: shells moderately strong, somewhat triangular.  Hinge with distinct cuplike chondrophore and strong lateral teeth crenulated on inner side, visible with a hand lens even if very small.  Outside is nearly smooth; fresh shells have yellowish-orange periostracum and grow up to 8 inches (200 mm).

Where found: Nova Scotia or Labrador to South Carolina.  Very low in the intertidal zone to subtidal, down to 100 feet (30 m).

Remarks: The most common clamshell on ocean beaches south of Cape Cod.  A favorite of scavenging gulls, who drop them from on high until the shells break.  Formerly little valued commercially, surf clams recently accounted for 70% of the U.S. clam crop, usually taken by hydraulic dredge off N.J. and Maryland shores.  Most of the catch is canned.

Personal Log 

Science involves fieldwork and lab work; this is one type of fieldwork involved in marine science. Lots of people are involved and they have to work as a team to accomplish the mission.  Often they are working on less sleep than usual and probably a whole different schedule than they are used to. This ship is not very big – only 155 feet long and 30 feet wide. Much of the space on board is taken up by equipment.  There is a wet lab (264 sq. ft), a dry/chemistry lab (230 sq. feet) a protected work area 172 sq feet, and a scientific freezer (201 square feet).  There are two single staterooms, 11 double staterooms, and four bunkrooms with a total of 32 bunks.  There is a small dining area, a very small lounge area, and for exercise, there is stationary bicycle stuck in the corner.  So you can imagine people are crammed pretty close together.  You need to think about how you would handle this if you wanted to pursue a career that took you out to sea very often.

Carolyn Bielser, May 26, 2005

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NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 26, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Due to the seas being too rough we put the sampling on hold last night.  This morning one of the electrical cables got twisted up so they are working on that right now.  We have covered about 24 stations to this time.

Personal Log 

Slept well again last night even though the ship was rocking and rolling.  Very strange feeling when you are in your bunk – like sleeping on a waterbed and someone else is jumping up and down on it.  The other volunteers are feeling a little better.  I have sent emails – or rather, I composed email and tried to send it out, but I have received nothing back so I am dubious that anyone is receiving any from me.  We have been close enough to shore to observe some sea birds – mostly terns.  On the haul in the dredge, we have seen skates, starfish and hermit crabs.

Carolyn Bielser, May 25, 2005

Posted on by Teacher at Sea

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 25, 2005

Weather Data from the Bridge
Air Temperature 8.9
Barometer 1010.4
Fluorescence value 242.6
Total Salinity 030.11
Swell Height 1.3

Science and Technology Log

One of the things that stands out about this cruise is the use of the FSCS, or Fisheries Scientific Computer System.  This is the second time this system is being used for clams.  In 2002, the data from each station was obtained through SCS, but biological data was simultaneously recorded on the dredge log and also entered into the FCSC.  This year all operations will be directly entered into the FSCS; also a newly modified celltech clamboard, a Limnoterra board, will be used.

Some of the objectives of this cruise are to:

  1. Determine the distribution , relative abundance and biological data for surf clams and ocean quahogs
  2. Collect dredge performance readings on each dredge haul utilizing a multi-sensor sampling device attached to the clam dredge
  3. Collect positional data for the dredge using an experimental trackpoint system to determine the relative position of the dredge
  4. Deploy a camera system to document the clam dredge performance
  5. Conduct approximately 10 set up sites for commercial survey

How things operate: A hydraulic jet dredge, equipped with a 60-inch blade will be towed at a speed of 1.5 knots for 5 minutes at approximately 450 randomly selected stations.  The dredge is powered by an electric pump positioned on the dredge.

The station information will be logged by a Scientific Computer System and transferred to FSCS at the end of each tow. The catch will be sorted into one-bushel baskets separating live surf clams, live quahogs and clappers (clappers are empty paired shells).  Volume will determined and recorded for the surf clams and quahogs.  A sub-sample of one bushel each of surf clams and quahogs will be measured for shell length and recorded to the nearest millimeter.

Personal Log 

The sea got a little rough Tuesday night and I began to feel a little under the weather.  I still have the scopolamine patch on, but will change it to a new one tonight and maybe that will help. I am able to sleep well so far, but going up on deck when it’s rocking and rolling is getting to me a little.

I think I have spoken with everyone on the scientific end of things here.  There are a lot of different people here and in different status.  Some are permanent employees for NOAA, some are volunteers (like myself) who either would like to become a permanent employee or are looking at a career in marine biology, environmental science and so forth. Some people work for a different company that are contracted out for this research. Everyone really seems to work together well to accomplish the mission.

We are on a 6-12 schedule; I am on the “day” shift.  It is a strange schedule – I start to wonder if it is day or night.  Operations go on 24/7.

Carolyn Bielser, May 24, 2005

Posted on by Teacher at Sea

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Carolyn Bielser
Onboard NOAA Ship Delaware II
May 23 – 30, 2005

Mission: Surf clam and quahog survey
Geographical Area: New England
Date: May 24, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Days 1: In Port, Woods Hole

Monday, May 23 the DELAWARE II went out on a shakedown.  We left port at approximately 1130 and returned to Woods Hole approximately 0600.

The objectives of the shakedown were to:

  1.  Test deployment of the clam gear and power systems
  2.  Test and calibrate the Survey Sensor package (SSP)
  3.  Test and calibrate archival sensors (minilog and inclinometer)
  4.  Test and calibrate positional data for the dredge utilizing an experimental trackpoint system
  5.  Deploy Van Veen Grap sampler for benthic samples
  6.  Test FSCS for Shellfish using new electronic Limonterra digital measuring boards

Personal Log 

No turning back now…

Rachel Dane, May 4, 2005

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NOAA Teacher at Sea
Rachel Dane
Onboard NOAA Ship Ka’imimoana
April 29 – May 10, 2005

Mission: Oceanographic Survey
Geographical Area: Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Date: May 4, 2005

Plan of the Day
0400: 1.5N CTD
0830: 2N Recovery and deploy with CTD, AOML and ARGO
2215: 2.5N CTD

Weather Data
Latitude: 1 degree N
Longitude: 95 degrees W
Visibility: 12 nautical miles
Wind Direction: 153 degrees
Wind Speed: 10 knots
Sea wave height: 1-2 feet
Swell wave height: 2-3 feet
Sea water temperature: 27.9 degrees C
Barometric pressure: 1013.2
Cloud cover: 5/8 cumulus, altocumulus

Science and Technology Log 

Last night I ended up falling into bed, exhausted, around midnight.  Jim and I spent almost an hour having a super fun conversation about river running in Idaho and the Grand Canyon—I had no idea that he and I were both guides on the main fork of the Salmon River in Idaho!  It was a wonderful talk, and I hope to have the opportunity to chat more together.

It’s another buoy day; today we will be recovering a damaged buoy and deploying a new one in its place. Each TAO buoy is moored to the bottom of the ocean using Nilspin, which is steel cable surrounded by a protective plastic shield.  Old railroad wheels are used as anchors for each buoy in the array.  The Nilspin cable is also equipped with sensors at various depths; these sensors transmit data from the ocean to the surface of the buoy. Remember, these buoys constantly collect data on wind speed and direction, air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, barometric pressure, sea surface and subsurface temperature, salinity, water pressure and ocean currents.  The data is gathered and transmitted via NOAA satellites, and is used by scientists all over the world who are studying the relationship between the Pacific Ocean and climatic changes.

Buoy recovery is a fairly labor intensive process that involves lassoing the floating toroid, craning it aboard, spooling in all of its cable, and cleaning the entire apparatus.  Being submerged for 6 months at a time, the buoys acquire quite a collection of barnacles!  Before a buoy can be recovered the anchor needs to be dropped; a sensing apparatus on its underside is responsible for detecting the “drop anchor” signal transmitted by the ship.  In today’s case, the recovered buoy will be stored on deck until it is cleaned, painted, and outfitted with new instrumentation; it will then be standing by, ready to replace another buoy on the array if necessary. There was some excitement today during operations when the anchor release signal was not acknowledged by the buoy—the ship’s winch was very unhappy about having to haul up the additional 2.5 tons of anchor weight!

Deploying a buoy involves all of the same steps as recovery, but in the reverse order.  First, one end of the spooled cable is attached to the bottom of the buoy’s 2.5m diameter base. The buoy is then lowered into the water and the cable is unspoooled.  Finally, the anchor is dropped. The entire buoy lifting and lowering process is done with the large cranes and winches that the KA is equipped with.

Personal Log

All hands involved in the buoy ops functioned together like a well oiled machine.  There is no doubt that everyone on board is familiar with their duties and responsibilities, and all know what needs to be done and precisely when it needs to happen in order for the procedure to be successfully executed.  It is definitely impressive. Again today, all crew members were more than happy to include me in the excitement, and all were very patient with this rookie sea-goer!  Thank you, everyone!

The weather here at the equator is much less humid than I expected.  In fact, I find it quite pleasant; maybe because there is always a sea breeze blowing.  The inside of the ship sometimes feels like a refrigerator, especially the computer and science labs which are kept cool to maintain the machines.

Teams are made and times are set; let the tournaments begin!  For the remainder of the cruise we will be competing against each other in scrabble, cribbage, darts, poker, and a card game called Sequence.  My first challenge is tonight at 6:30—Fred and I play cribbage.  Personally, I can’t wait to see the dart competition as we rock and roll our way to Mexico!