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MISSION DISPATCH 3 • 4/18/01 Today's Weather - images courtesy of NOAA & RSMAS 0700 - at Dock Substantial progress on fine-tuning the science gear on the JSL I is being made, but there are still a few things left to be done. A suggestion to steam back to the Gulf Stream to initiate exploratory MOCNESS tows 
while the sub crew completes the minor adjustment is shelved. When
final word comes that would not cast off until 1500 or later, I head below for two hours of sleep.
1000 - The Science Team Keeps Busy The Science Team is as mindful as any on board that seagoing research missions experience some down time while equipment is repaired. Still, they are simply getting anxious to do some of the science they came out to do. During the last two days, all have managed to remain busy. Russ Hopcroft finished up a portion of a manuscript that didn't get out before he made the trip down from Fairbanks. Vicki Fabry rechecks her calculations relative to planned lab experiments in which Latex microspheres will be provided to live-maintained large appendicularians (Bathochordaeus stygius) to study particle size selectivity. Alex Bochdansky continues to fine-tune the videomicroscope setup in the cold room. He also finds time to shoot some video of the sub activities, switching between dueling established careers as scientist and nature videodocumentarian. Per Flood shoots some exceptional macro footage of a medusa jellyfish he and Russ caught at sea yesterday using a sophisticated sampling apparatus known as a five-gallon bucket. Some of us appreciated the ironic juxtaposition as this decidedly low-tech field collection was carried out from the back deck, literally in the shadow of the technological marvel that is the JSL research submersible. 
Meanwhile, Marsh, Jimmy Nelson, and research assistants Jennifer Bossart and Christina Bendix
Anderson work on fixing a number of leaky detritus samplers. HBOI Engineer and Science Team
member Chris Tietze fabricated the original models more than 15 years ago, so a little leaking
is understandable. But Marsh keeps a box full of replacement parts for the samplers for just
such an occasion.
1330 - And Now, The Weather... The current forecast calls for cold air and winds out of the Northeast, with 7 to 9-foot seas, possibly higher in the Gulf Stream. Seas should be 5-7 feet by later this evening, and the outlook should continue to improve on into tomorrow. And in England it looks like rain. Of course neither forecast means much to us as we continue to sit at the dock. The local nearshore weather predictions will take on increasing importance once we manage to get back out to sea. 1730 - Should I Stay Or Should I Go? 
As the sub crew wraps up their work on the JSL, our growing suspicions are confirmed. The
R/V SEWARD JOHNSON will remain docked for one last night. A number of crewmen opt for shore
time with their families, as does Captain Van Hoek. I start thinking I might do the same, and
begin to look for a lift back to my truck, which is parked back at HBOI. Fortunately, a ride
doesn't materialize until just after another great meal prepared by Galley hands Christina and
Stewart. And to think I could have instead headed for home and missed the home cooking!
Sub electronics supervisor Jim "Sully" Sullivan brings me up to speed on the status of the sub repairs; he is optimistic that there will be dive ops by tomorrow night. This expedition is made possible through a grant from the Biological Oceanography Program of the National Science Foundation with additional support from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution.  | |
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