MISSION DISPATCH 2 June 3, 2005 | Students @Sea | San Clemente Basin (off the coast of S. California) As former Semester by the Sea students at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, we were all introduced to Dr. Tammy Frank and her deep sea visual ecology research. When she asked for volunteers for this cruise we were all quick to jump on this exciting expedition. It took us a few days to get oriented with the procedures aboard the R/V New Horizon but once we all found our niches on board the hours are flying by. Katie Olds In addition to being Tammy's former student, I am also her summer intern. This cruise was the first step of my summer project, collecting samples to study their vision. So far our trawls have caught several specimens of Gnathophausia ingens, so I have started to formulate a project comparing the eye physiology of light and dark adapted juveniles and adults. I have also enjoyed learning about the other projects going on during this cruise, and I am amazed that scientists from around the world can organize research methods to fully take advantage of the use of a research vessel. I love being at sea, especially being surrounded by experts in marine biology and oceanography. Kim Fuchs Being a volunteer on this cruise I am able to see and assist in various types of research in different areas of marine biology. My main job so far on the cruise has been taking all the photos and monitoring and adjusting the Mother Tucker's progress. This includes depth, salinity, temperature, time and pressure. The most interesting part so far for me is learning and seeing the different species and research that is going on. Along with seeing different critters on board the ship we have also experienced some sightings outside. As we left port we encountered some California sea lions, dolphins and also some Pilot Whales riding the bow of the ship. Last night I learned how to jig for squid for the first time, and it was neat to see how they were attracted to the light on board and rose to the surface. Other animal spottings included turtles, sunfish and whales. I'm having a wonderful time at sea and can't wait to see what we find and learn next. Noelle Notarnicola As a volunteer on this research cruise I have had the opportunity to observe and participate in many at sea projects. This being my first time at sea, I was ready to assist in any way I could. One of my main duties includes rigging up and manning the tag lines attached to the trawl net as it is deployed and retrieved. It was quite a challenge learning all the knots and rope-work but it was exciting to finally be able to go through the entire process unassisted. Another exciting aspect of the trip for me is observing all the researching scientists aboard and having the opportunity to see some amazing deep sea organisms. As an undergraduate, it is exciting to see science outside of a university and be able to ask questions to a variety of different scientists working on different deep sea projects. I have seen and learned so much and have had an amazing time so far. I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity. Carole Berthiaume This cruise has been an incredible learning experience for me. I really had no idea what to expect from this trip as I have never participated in anything like this before. It took me a few days to get my sea legs under me. Eleven days at sea with no sight of land is eleven times more than what I had ever experienced. Honestly, for the first two days I had convinced myself that I would restrain my research efforts to coastal areas where I can always feel sand under my feet. But now that I'm used to life at sea I realize what a wonderful time it can be. I have seen things in the past week that I never imagined I would be able to see. Just from time spent out on the deck we have seen sharks, dolphins, jumbo squid, ocean sunfish, and even two blue whales yesterday. The trawling process was also completely foreign to me when I first came on board. It involves a good bit of teamwork. It takes about ten people to deploy and retrieve the net each time. My main job in the process has been operating the A-frame which draws the net away from and towards the boat. Of course the best part of the trip is seeing what goodies we bring up from the depths. I have seen animals I had no idea even existed. The very first trawl bucket we brought up took me three hours to sort through and see everything. Some of the fish and crustaceans we are finding are some of the most alien looking organisms I have ever encountered (and people wonder how they come up with movie monsters-take a look in our bucket!). I am also extremely impressed with the dedication of the scientists on board. They are at their research from early morning to late night, some of them staring into microscopes all day long while the boat rocks back and forth. I am beginning to believe they don't sleep at all. Thank goodness for caffeine! I lost count of how many pots of coffee we have been through a long time ago. It has been great to be able to help with the various projects each of them have going on. I have been able to aid in some video work and some collections of live specimens (the art of squid-jigging). The crew of this ship is also an unbelievably hard-working group of people. They have been a pleasure to get to know. Our favorites have to be the cooks who have been feeding us nonstop. I am eating better out here than I do at home. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Frank for allowing me this opportunity. This trip has fueled my passion and my curiosity for the sea, which I intend to keep exploring one bucketful at a time.

© 2005, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution