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

August 6, 2006
Sunrise or Sunset?

Serenity

As I am doing the CTD I can't help but notice the beautiful sunrise. I am torn which is prettier, the sunset or the sunrise, each is different and beautiful in its own way. The ship does have a definite and set routine everyday. Each day seems like the movie "Groundhog Day", making it hard to tell what day of the week is it. I think today is Sunday; I just noticed I am 1 day off in my journal. I really need to find a calendar and figure this one out.

I spent most of the day watching the dolphins. I love to see their athleticism. Tail wagging, leaping, spinning and flipping are all marvels of these amazing animals. I caught a 44 pound wahoo on the long line today, processing this large of fish did take some time. When I removed the stomach, it was really full of something. I wish I could work at the lab and figure the ecosystem of this fish out. My natural curiosity would love to solve these mysteries. I save a sample of liver and a sample of muscle for isotope analysis, my question is how do you do isotope testing? I will have to ask that if I ever get a chance.

Full moon tonight and is shimmering on the water which confuses the squid. We are in a squid lull - no squid tonight. Bob Pitman, the cruise leader, called a science meeting. He was happy with everyone but did inform us we were behind schedule. The ship had been operating on 1 engine and we had lost time. Some track lines would be adjusted in order for us to be in port on time. This is the first time I heard port and the reality of getting off this ship hit me hard. I like this ship.