I arrived in Miami, Fl. on the 18th, and successfully found the vessel. On the way to the boat, I could not help but notice how much brighter and paradise-like Miami was compared to Wilmington, NC. The first couple of days on the vessel, I met with most of the crew and settled in. Everyone was extremely polite and welcoming. The morning after I arrived, we set off and started the first research cruise.

The scientific party utilized General Oceanic 10L niskin bottles, a SBE 32 Carousel, a SBE 911 CTD, plankton nets, and the ships underway sampling system. I was relieved when I saw what they were using because I have prior experience in use the carousel and plankton nets – albeit different size netting, smaller 2.5L bottles, a 19+ CTD, and a SBE 21 thermosalinograph instead of the SBE 45micro one they have here.

The marine technician, Don, helped show me where things were like the under system and was very accommodating in answering my questions and sharing tips and information. Our responsibility was to ensure the proper and safe use of the carousel and assist the scientist in deploying and recovering it.

The goal of the cruise was to sample waters from near RSMAS (where the vessel is docked) to the west coast of Florida in the Gulf. The goal of the overall project was to conduct a long-term study of specific sites and assess possible trends that could lead to further understanding things like red tides in the area or sedimentation in specific areas.

I know I am supposed to be taking pictures of myself doing things, but on this cruise, I was fairly sea-sick for Monday, Tuesday, and the beginning of Thursday, so I was, unfortunately, not as concerned about taking pictures as I was trying assist Don and get my ” sea legs”. It is unfortunate that I get sea-sick, but I still want to put my best foot forward and at least try to overcome it and have great time (which I am).

The next scientific cruise leaves tomorrow; I have been stuffing my face with ginger cookies and already have the patch on in anticipation for overcoming motion sickness. This next cruise’s goal is tagging of Mahi mahi. The science team will be conducting some CTDs, but it sounded to me as if that was not their main priority, so myself and Dennis, the head marine technician on this trip, might not have a lot to do. I am still looking forward to it and it should be a wonderful experience.