Today’s first post comes to us from Jesse Dubler. Jesse is a recent graduate from UC San Diego. This is his first time on an oceanographic cruise.
Jesse writes:
It is now 7:10am, approaching the end of my twelve hour shift from 8pm to 8am. Over the past three days, I have assisted in three different research initiatives ranging from processing water samples, monitoring the acoustic signature of dolphins, and preserving samples of phytoplankton. I have also assisted in the deployment and retrieval of multiple scientific instruments. The highlights of the voyage so far, not including learning about the science, include encountering a school of dolphins, getting partially soaked out on the deck, and reading a good novel facing a Pacific sunset. Earlier today, the crew brought onboard what seems to be a very large colossal squid that was already dead and half eaten, making identification a bit difficult. When I woke up, the only evidence left was few plastic bags of its flesh and an eyeball staring out at me (as well as photos). Apparently, it stank so much it had to go back into the water. Drats!
I found out about this cruise when it was just an idea being floated by several Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate students and immediately volunteered to assist in whatever fashion I could. Even though I am not a scientist by training, I have studied microplastic marine debris for three years now as an undergraduate student at UC San Diego and have recently graduated with a degree in Political Science. This cruise represents an invaluable opportunity for me to get some experience with the science part of the equation before I go on to graduate school in Environmental Policy.
There has been some sightings of plastic debris (e.g., bag that once contained chips) but no plastics in our samples that we could identify with our naked eyes. We did not expect anything definitive until we are much closer to the gyre though. We found a blue plastic particle two days ago and got tickled blue… but it turns out to be from the rope attached to the manta! We continue to be diligent in applying the scientific method on this historic expedition so that our samples credibly represent the state of the ocean and accurately inform subsequent decision making sure to follow by interested stakeholders.
Over the next few days, as we approach the gyre, I will reflect on the policy implications and share some of my thoughts via this blog. Until the next time! Zzzzz…
Daytime manta tow to collect surface samples
Science at night. Researchers deploy a manta sampling device, which
collects biological specimens from the sea surface area. When fully
deployed, the rigid portion seen in the picture will be trailed by a
long collection net, appearing as a manta ray as it flows through the water.
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Hi Jesse…didn’t realize you were going to be a crew member! Congrats. good to read your blog comments. keep it up.
By: Marieta Francis on August 5, 2009
at 11:20 am
Hi Marieta, we definitely need to chat when I’ve returned to Southern California! It has been an incredible journey and a honor to serve onboard this research vessel.
Thank you for commenting on this blog!
By: Jesse Dubler on August 20, 2009
at 1:30 am
Following your adventure as my students and I start a new school year. I teach Chemistry at Chula Vista High School, and am using your voyage as an intro. to the Scientific Method. Glad you mentioned it above!
We anxiously await your future discoveries!
Mrs. AB
By: Heather AB on August 5, 2009
at 2:48 pm
I am so thrilled that you are using this in your classroom! Please let me know if I can help you in any way!
By: Alison Cawood on August 5, 2009
at 4:02 pm
Very cool stuff! Sorry you missed seeing the squid (wish I could’ve seen it, too!) but technically, it probably wasn’t a “colossal squid”, which is the common name of a particular species–/Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni/. They’ve only been found in the Southern Ocean.
By: Danna Staaf on August 6, 2009
at 9:25 am
HOPEFULLY AFTER ANY DICOVERIES THAT ARE MADE YOU GUYS CAN FIGURE OUT A WAY TO MINIMIZE THE PLASTIC IN THE WORLD…
-CVHS
-SYLVIA
By: Sylvia P. on August 9, 2009
at 7:47 pm
if only the world didn’t throw away there trash in the ocean we wouldn’t have this problem to begin with so hopefully you can find a way to fix it
CVHS
CHEM
By: Sean Paul G. on August 10, 2009
at 8:42 am
mrs.bassett is the coolest teacher ever
and sea plex is pretty cool too.
By: Lorenzo Ledesma on August 10, 2009
at 8:52 am
[...] Our post today is from Jesse Dubler, a cruise volunteer and a recent graduate of UC San Diego. This is Jesse’s second post. [...]
By: SEAPLEX Day 12 « SEAPLEX on August 13, 2009
at 10:38 am