Journals 2005/2006

Denis Costello
North High School, Torrance, California

"The Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms" R/V Atlantis July 6 - 26

Journal Index: July 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13       14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20       21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27

July 21, 2005
Gone Fishin'

A beautiful sunny day, it started with us working along the LAB (La Perouse AB) line. Starting with a deeper station, LAB 8, allowed me time to visit with the Captain, Master George Silva. Using my video camera, I interviewed him in the bridge house about how students can learn more about sea-faring jobs. He was very willing to answer all of my questions and offer advice to potential seamen. I then proceeded to interview the staff in the galley. It was a very small kitchen, but they were excited to explain the daily operation of how the galley was maintained.

Stacey DeAmicis and I are collecting samples from the CTD. View full version pop-up.		A view from the bridge wing of the Atlantis of the starboard side of the vessel. Trailed from the heavy crane is the "FISH." The FISH is a trace metal pump system that is used to collect water samples from a depth of four meters. The water is pumped into a clean room that we call the "bubble," where the incubation experiments are prepared and trace metal analysis takes place. View full version pop-up.

When we reached the LAB1 station, we noticed a lot of small fishing boats. We soon noticed why this was the case...salmon were literally leaping out of the water. While the CTD was in the water, the Able Bodied seamen and officers of the ship were on the back deck trying to catch some fish. AB Patrick Hennessy caught four salmon during our 20 minute CTD cast. In all, about eight fish were caught in that time span.

This was probably the best weather day that we've had so far. When we were not sampling, some of the science crew would take a break in the sun. Whether it was reading a book, listening to music, or fishing, we all managed a way to take advantage of the great weather.

Able-Bodied seaman Patrick Hennessey shows off a salmon caught while we were sampling. In the background, Brady Olson is photographing another crewman's catch. View full version pop-up.