Day 3 Kilo Moana

Yesterday was another fantastic, long day. After the trap and camera were deployed into the ocean, it was time to release the respirometer for it to begin resurfacing.

The respirometer was on the sea floor for about 24 hours. When 24 hours expired, a signal was sent to release the weights holding down the device. Almost an hour later, we saw the respirometer floating at the surface.

It was now time to retrieve the device. The respirometer would approach on the left. The strategy was to have four people on the left side of the ship with rope and hooks. The objective was to throw the rope and hook over the respirometer line. Then pull in the rope quickly to hook the line that was securing the respirometer. This was challenging since it was extremely windy, and we were throwing the rope & hook straight into the wind.



Throwing the hook and rope over the edge to the line is called grappling. This was my first time ever doing grappling. I was a little worried, but I tried my best. I’m pleased to say I hooked the line successfully. =)

Eventually the entire respirometer was back on board. Unfortunately the device did not capture any deep-sea fish. Dr. Drazen and his students will analyze the data from the device. They will reevaluate the respirometer, and make it more successful for the next research cruise in April.



At the end of the night, Dr. Erica Goetze (Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa), completed another plankton tow. Her students are investigating the Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) of the fish and plankton captured in the net. Dr. Goetze did a day tow and a night tow.



After each tow, the students separate, classify, and preserve each specimen. Dr. Goetze’s students will analyze the data to figure out which specimen might do DVM. This would mean that during the day, certain fish & plankton are not around. At night time though, these fish & plankton come up from the deep water closer to the surface to feed.

Last night, we all learned more about the exciting world of bioluminescence. First, Dr. Drazen gave a lecture in regards to bioluminescence in deep-sea fish. After the lecture finished, it was time to do another tow. This time the tow would be use to collect fish with bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is the light given off by the fish. It is an example of chemical energy transforming to light energy. The tow net was released into the water and reached the depth of 200 meters. This depth would allow for a lot of bioluminescence fish to be captured.

I love learning about bioluminescence. It is similar to watching fireflies flashing at night. This late night tow was going to be a little different for me. I was going to help release the net and then tag the line to bring it back on board. It was fantastic to be involved in the deployment and recovery of the tow.

This tow was extremely successful. We were able to capture many fish. Similar to fireflies, these fish only light up when it’s dark. With this in mind, we all gathered into the wet lab room and turned off all the lights. We saw bioluminescence is action!!!! Many fish flashed their light on and off, while only a few kept their light on for a longer time.

One of the most fascinating sights was watching a shrimp release a bioluminescence fluid. The fluid was a beautiful bright blue color. The shrimp uses the bioluminescence fluid for self defense from other fish.

Today’s agenda is to retrieve the trap & camera, more plankton tows, and another CDT cast. I’m having such a blast being on the ship and learning more & more each day. Everyone here is so nice. They take the time to explain things to me, and they are very patient. =)