Journals 2006/2007

Mark Harris
Layton High School, Layton, UT

"Stenella Abundance Research Project (STAR)" July 23, 2006 - August 14, 2006

Journal Index: July 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29        30 - 31 August 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9            10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 Additional Resources

July 30, 2006
CTD Deployment

Candice and I deploying the CTD before sunrise

Waking up at 4:30 am wasn't too difficult, deploying the CTD unit is my job. I like waking up to Candy's ever present smile and good morning. My bunk mate Jose is the hydraulic lift operator in charge of lowering the unit. The 3 of us are the only ones up and it is really kind of fun.

The flying bridge starts their day at sunrise looking for dolphins and whales. There are 3 mammal observers and 1 sea observer on the bridge at one time. Action started early today and the sightings were fast and furious. We had 33 sightings in 1 day, which is a lot of sightings and estimations. These scientists are so good at what they do, they can spot and identify quickly.

I am having a lot of fun getting to know each personality on the ship, I can feel this group of humans that are together, is a pretty special bunch. Each seems to be talented, confident, and they all take the time to show me things that I have no idea how to do.

Whales surfacing next to the ship, dolphins bow riding, this is a good day. We put the CTD in one hour after sunset. Being offshore and watching the beautiful sunsets and sunrises each morning and evening brings home the fact that I am a very lucky guy to be where I am.

I am a little tired, I think it is the fact I must get used to being at sea and I am always hungry. That is not a good thing, the food is incredible and I know I am just going to get fatter. I had better cut my meals to 2 a day or my wife may not recognize me when I get home.