Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Your Experience Aboard an Ecosystems Surveys Branch Cruise
Introduction
Welcome aboard. The staff within the Ecosystems Surveys Branch (ESB) of the Northeast Fisheries
Science Center have prepared this website to assist you, the first-time sailor, in participating
in scientific cruises aboard the research vessels
,
FSV Henry B. Bigelow,
FSV Delaware II &
RV Hugh R. Sharp.
This should help to prepare you for what should prove
to be an exciting and educational experience at sea. It is meant to
answer most, if not all, questions you may have before and during your
participation on the cruise. After your cruise if you have
any information which you would like to add, please let us know.
Cruise Types and Locations
The nation's first fisheries laboratory was established at Woods Hole in 1871 by the U.S. Fish Commission, the forerunner of today's NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, under the leadership of Spencer Fullerton Baird. This laboratory is today the headquarters and main laboratory of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The Ecosystems Surveys Branch who are responsible for the majority of the center’s cruises, are based at the lab.
From 1871, surveys of marine life in local waters have been conducted out of Woods Hole. In 1880, the lab’s first research vessel, RV Fish Hawk, was purchased by the U.S. Fish Commission beginning a long standing tradition of research vessels that is continued today by the FSV Henry B. Bigelow and the FSV Delaware II.
The Ecosystems Surveys Branch conducts surveys that provide consistent, unbiased estimates of relative abundance for many finfish and shellfish species in the Northeast region. The Bottom Trawl surveys have been conducted since 1963 and serve as the basis for some of the longest time series of standardized fishery-independent indices of relative abundance in the world. The scallop and clam surveys began in the late 1970s and the fisheries acoustic surveys in 1998.
As a volunteer on a survey, you will serve as fully-fledged member of a survey's scientific party. The Ecosystems Surveys Branch places great value on the participation of volunteers and they are integral to the conduct of our surveys and data collection processes.
The following is a brief description of the major surveys conducted by
the Ecosystems Surveys Branch. When you receive your notice
explaining which cruise types and dates are available, look at the
following list to help you determine which survey may interest you.
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Spring and Fall Bottom Trawl Surveys
Ongoing time series of standardized multi-species finfish surveys.
Besides species abundance data, these surveys routinely collect
biological data, such as maturity stages and food habits
information.
Scales and otoliths are collected for age and growth studies.
There are multiple parts covering each of the following areas
:
I. Mid-Atlantic Bight between New Jersey and
Cape Hatteras
II. Mid-Atlantic Bight between New Jersey and
Southern New England
III. Georges Bank
IV. Gulf of Maine
V. Area to be determined
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Clam Survey
Cruises to determine the distribution and abundance of Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs. Quantitative
data are collected from the following areas:
Part I. Mid-Atlantic Bight
Part II. Mid-Atlantic Bight/Southern New England
Part III. Southern New England/Georges Bank
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Scallop Survey
An annual series of quantitative cruises to determine the distribution
and abundance of scallops. There are three parts covering each of the
following areas:
I. Mid-Atlantic Bight/Southern New England
II. Southern
New England/Georges Bank
III. Georges Bank
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Acoustic Survey
The primary objective of NEFSC fisheries acoustic surveys is to derive
fisheries independent abundance estimates for selected Northwest Atlantic
pelagic fish stocks. Species-specific abundance estimates are derived using
the multifrequency EK500 echo-integration system. Survey design is typically
an adaptive systematic survey with targeted midwater trawl and underwater
video deployments to verify acoustic targets. Biological sample processing
is completed on deck at each station. Omni-directional sonar data
is also continuously collected along the cruise track to provide information
on the spatial distributional patterns of fish. Fisheries acoustic surveys
often allocate a few days for site-specific experiments to investigate diel
variability in acoustic target strength relative to fish behavior or gear
performance tests.
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Vessels
FSV Henry B. Bigelow
Length - 63.6 meters (208.6 ft)
Beam - 15 meters (49.2 ft)
Draft - 6.2 meters (20.35 ft)
Gross Tonnage - 2,218 tons
Range - 12,000 nautical miles at 12 knots
Date Commissioned - July 16, 2007
RV Hugh R. Sharp
Length - 44.5 meters (146 ft)
Beam - 9.8 meters (32 ft)
Draft - 2.9 meters (9.5 ft)
Gross Tonnage - 495 tons
Range - 3,500 nautical miles at 7 knots
Date Commissioned - May 7, 2006
FSV Delaware II
Length - 47.2 meters (155 ft)
Beam - 9.1 meters (30 ft)
Draft - 5.1 meters (16.6 ft)
Gross Tonnage - 610 tons
Range - 5,318 nautical miles at 10 knots
Date Commissioned - March 12, 1975
The NOAA research vessels, mainly Bigelow and Delaware II are operated by the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
(OMAO) division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The chartered vessel, RV Hugh R. Sharp is owned and operated by the University of Delaware. The ships communicate with the Woods Hole lab via email and phone daily.
NOAA uses private or academically supported research
vessels for specific studies. Information on these vessels will be
provided by the Chief Scientist whenever appropriate.
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The People
The Bigelow and Delaware II are commanded by NOAA Corps officers and crewed by
civilians. Crew members for the Bigelow number 23, with a scientific complement of 15; the Delaware II accommodates 14 scientists in addition to its crew of 18. The Sharp is handled by 9 of the ship's crew with a scientific team of 13.
Most of the scientific party, including the Chief Scientist and Watch
Chiefs, is made up of NOAA biologists who spend time at sea as
part of their jobs. You and other volunteer scientists comprise the
remainder. The Chief Scientist is responsible for the scientific
operations (how and where sampling occurs). The chain of command then
goes to the two Watch Chiefs whose responsibilities include, among many
others, the smooth conduct of each watch and the collection of data. The Captain or Commanding Officer is
responsible for safely operating and navigating the vessel. Out on deck, the
winch operator is in charge of the deck crew and operation of all of
the fishing gear and machinery.
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Living Arrangements at Sea
Stateroom assignments are made to minimize traffic due to alternating
watches (shifts). When you go on watch, you should take everything
you will need with you. A backpack or other bag is something you may want to
bring to carry books, an extra set of clothing, MP3 player, etc. You will
not be allowed to enter your room while members of the opposite watch are
sleeping. Keep in mind that when you are up, others are sleeping,
so please keep noise in all passageways to a minimum. An often overlooked problem is noise
resulting from items not securely stowed in drawers and closets - the ship's
motion will cause loose objects to roll or bang around. Please stow your gear
and personal items with this in mind.
Linens (sheets and a pillowcase, soap, towels and face cloths,
pillows and blankets) are provided on all vessels. It should be noted
that the pillows are feather. Because of allergies or personal preference, some people choose
to bring their own pillows and/or blankets/sleeping bags/towels. There are
removable rails that mount on the bunks for rough
weather sleeping safety. One more hint: Flip flops make showers more comfortable.
Bigelow
Staterooms aboard the Bigelow accommodate two scientists
with a common head (bathroom) and shower. Each stateroom is equipped
with a computer and satellite TV. Sometimes scientists will share a stateroom with a member of the ship's crew.
Sharp
Staterooms aboard the Sharp accommodate two or four scientists to a room. Heads (bathroom) and showers are shared. Sometimes scientists will share a stateroom with a member of the ship's crew.
Delaware II
Staterooms aboard the Delaware II accommodate two or four scientists.
Heads (bathroom) and shower are shared. Sometimes scientists will share a stateroom with a member of the ship's crew.
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Meals
You'll be served breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
The meals aboard all vessels are excellent. In addition, snacks,
fresh fruits, soups, sandwich fixings, and beverages (coffee, tea,
juices, milk, cocoa) are available around the clock.
A few rules regarding the mess area and galley protocol:
- Foul-weather gear should never be worn in the galley or
mess area, not even for a quick cup of coffee.
- In summer, shirts and proper footwear must be worn at all times
in mess area.
- Caps, hats, swimsuits and tank tops should not be worn
in mess area.
- On all vessels, scientists are expected to clear their
dishes and silverware from table after meals.
- Silverware and plates used for sandwiches, snacks, etc.
should not be removed from mess area.
- Return all coffee and drink cups to the galley when finished.
- Lingering in the mess area after eating is discourteous
to those waiting to eat or to the stewards waiting to clean up.
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Communication at Sea
Email
Using satellite communication aboard the Bigelow & Delaware II, you will be able to access your personal email accounts and the internet while at sea.
Email is available, but limited on the Sharp.
Phone
Unless we are close enough to shore to be within cell range, cell phones are obsolete.
Websites
Your family and friends may enjoy checking these websites while you're at sea.
The Bigelow maintains a website and it is updated during the cruise with photos. The website also features an interactive
display of the ship's labs, rooms and spaces that is worth checking out.
www.nefsc.noaa.gov/Bigelow
This website shows the current track for all NOAA vessels.
http://shiptracker.noaa.gov/
A website for the Sharp includes an interactive, online tour of the ship.
http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/marine/rvSharp.shtml
This website from the University of Delaware shows the survey track of the Sharp.
http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/marine/rvSharpMap.aspx
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Emergency Situations
Ship-to-shore communication is available via cellular or
satellite phone. Important messages may be forwarded through
Woods Hole during business hours via Russell Brown, ESB Branch Chief (508) 495-2380 or the Port
Office (508) 495-2236.
Other methods of contacting the ship in an emergency can be established with the Cruise Staffing Coordinator during correspondence prior to sailing.
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Regulations Aboard all Vessels
Individual ship's rules vary; they are usually addressed during a
brief
meeting once the vessel is underway or posted in a prominent
location.
The ships prohibit gambling, alcohol, use of
illegal drugs, and sexual liaison. Open-toed shoes are
prohibited outside of staterooms, you must wear sturdy footwear.
All
vessels conduct emergency drills
once a week. You must report to your life-boat or fire station (the
location is posted on billets in the passageways) wearing a hat,
long-sleeved shirt, your life jacket,
and carrying your survival suit. All cruise participants will be
expected to
try on their survival suits during a drill.
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Sailing Day
If sailing on the Bigelow or the Sharp, schedules vary and you will be contacted with the details of sailing day.
For those sailing on the Delaware II, report to the lab by 9 a.m. the day of sailing
and locate your Chief Scientist. This allows ample time to procure foul-weather
gear, process paperwork, organize parking and attend the pre-cruise meeting.
Sailing time is usually 2 p.m., with all scientific
personnel required to be on board one hour prior to sailing. Once you
have arrived you may be asked to help load some of the scientific
equipment or lend a hand in the preparation for departure. It should be
noted that ships are complex and require a lot of equipment and
instruments to operate safely and efficiently. Weather can also affect the ship's departure. Therefore, schedules
can be difficult to meet exactly; one should BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS and
possible schedule changes.
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Work Schedule
The scientific work schedule consists of two twelve-hour shifts or
"watches" conducted around the clock seven days a week. For cruises on the Bigelow and the Sharp, the "day" watch
works from noon to midnight; the "night" watch is
on duty from midnight to noon. Watches on the Delaware II are set from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the day watch and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those on the night watch. Sleeping
scientists are issued wake-up calls one hour before you are required to be on deck ready to begin work. It is expected and appreciated
that you show up on deck ten minutes prior to your official starting time.
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Work on Deck
The work on deck will vary depending on the mission of your
particular
cruise. The work routine will be outlined at
the pre-cruise meeting. Demonstrations of our electronic data
collection system known as FSCS and when appropriate a fish
identification workshop will held once underway.
There is a volunteer
presentation available on the Ecosystems Surveys Branch website that
covers work on deck in great detail,
click here
for the presentation. Also, we ask that all first-time sailors
familiarize themselves with FSCS, our electronic data collection system,
this is covered in the presentation under "The Computer System
Operations".
It may take a while for first-timers to gain familiarity with fish
identifications or other assignments. This is expected by the
experienced staff, so first-timers should not be overly concerned.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of your Watch Chief or the other watch
members regarding procedures or fish identification. The motion of the
ship during rough weather can make work on deck hazardous - work
carefully. Ensure your wear a life jacket and hard hat whenever you are on deck and gear is being deployed.
With little exception on Bigelow and Sharp
cruises, most of the twelve-hour
watch is spent working on your feet. Past volunteers have
commented that the work can be fairly intense and strenuous. There will
be
some "steaming" time between stations, and a chance for the
scientists
to grab a coffee and a few minutes off their feet. Occasionally,
weather delays or long steams will allow for more down time.
In the event of extreme weather (high winds, large seas, hurricane) the ship
will either come into the nearest port or jog (ride bow into the seas) until
the seas calm down. The Captain makes this decision based on conditions,
expected duration of the event and proximity of land in order to ensure the
safety of personnel and the ship.
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Off-Watch Activities
Off-watch time is
your own to relax and enjoy your time at sea and your fellow ship
mates. People read, play cards/board games, write, exercise, knit,
sleep, draw, watch TV/movies or do their laundry.
The Bigelow has a separate workout room, complete with a Bowflex Universal Machine, dumbbells, stationary bikes, a head and shower. The Delaware II has
a stationary bike. All ships have satellite TV and a selection of
movies available. If you're lucky, these may include brand new releases.
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On the Steam Home
On the steam back to port, all lab areas used by the scientific
crew
must be thoroughly cleaned. Expect to be involved with some
intensive cleaning of two weeks worth of fish gunk. Please note:
Participants on the last leg of a survey on the Bigelow can expect at least six hours of cleaning. Foul-weather gear is also usually washed at
this time. Staterooms and heads must be cleaned and will be inspected
by the Chief Scientist and a ship's officer. Upon docking, scientists are dismissed after all the
necessary scientific samples and survey equipment have been off-loaded and stored.
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Seasickness
Regardless of your past experience at sea, we ask that ALL
participants bring some type of preventive medication to prevent
seasickness.
One of the least pleasant aspects of going to sea is the possibility of
seasickness. An individual's susceptibility to seasickness is highly
variable. If you've experienced motion sickness in cars, planes, or
amusement park rides, you may experience seasickness during the cruise.
Regardless, most people feel some level of illness or discomfort on the first days of the cruise.
The irregular ship motion and indoor environment on the Bigelow can lead to seasickness for even the most seasoned sailor.
Seasickness is a result of a conflict in the inner ear (where the human
balance mechanism resides) caused by the erratic motion of the ship
through the water. Inside the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the
inner ear detects changes in linear and angular acceleration as the
body bobs with the boat. But since the cabin moves with the passenger,
the eyes register a relatively stable scene. Agitated by this
perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of
stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea and
vomiting.
The effects of seasickness can be magnified by strong smells (like diesel fumes or
fish, which are part of daily life at sea). It usually occurs in the
first 12-24 hours after sailing, and dissipates when the body becomes
acclimated to the ship's motion (getting one's "sea-legs"). Rarely does
anyone stay ill beyond the first couple of days at sea, regardless of
sea state. There are several over-the-counter medications available to
prevent or minimize motion sickness. These are usually taken about an
hour before sailing and as needed at sea; you should of course follow
the instructions for the particular medication you are taking. All of
these medications tend to dehydrate the body, so fluid intake is
important.
If you should get seasick, take comfort in the fact that recovery is
only a matter of time, and the survival rate is 100%. Each ship has a
trained medical officer who can treat severe cases of sea-sickness.
However, all that is usually required for a complete recovery is some
sensible eating/drinking and some patience. Here are a few tips and
considerations regarding seasickness:
- Vomiting offers relief. Make an effort to continue eating items like
crackers, dry toast, dry cereal, etc. (avoid anything greasy, sweet, or
hard to digest). Keeping something in your stomach suppresses nausea,
or, if vomiting, eliminates painful "dry heaves". Antacid tablets help
some people.
- Maintain fluids. Seasickness and related medications cause
dehydration and headaches. Try to drink juices low in acidity, clear
soups, or water, and stay away from milk or coffee.
- Keep working. Most people find that being busy keeps their
minds off their temporary discomfort. Anyway, you won't be allowed to stay
in your bunk during your watch.
- Carry a plastic bag. This simple trick allows some peace of mind and
eliminates some of the panic of getting sick. Do not vomit in sinks or
trash cans.
- If you need to go outside for fresh air, make sure someone
knows. For your safety, it is extremely important, if outside, to be in a
safe location. In bad weather, being alone on deck can be very
dangerous.
- Above all, don't be embarrassed or discouraged. If you get sick,
chances are that others are sick too. No one, including fishermen, ship's
officers or scientists, is immune to seasickness.
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Stress at Sea
Getting a good night's sleep is important to alleviating stress at sea. These tips will help.
- Use ear plugs or eye shades to eliminate ship's noise
and daytime light levels as sleep-robbing stimuli.
- In rough seas, use your life preserver to "wedge"
yourself against your bunk rail to avoid being tossed around.
- Exercise to dissipate tension and relax muscles, but not
immediately before retiring.
- Pay attention to your diet; proteins (meats, fish, eggs, etc.) are
harder to digest and should not be eaten prior to sleep. Carbohydrates
(spaghetti, pancakes, oatmeal, etc.) can be more easily digested while
sleeping, and make a better pre-sleep meal.
Although the benefits of a well-balanced, nutritious diet and regular
exercise are well known, it was suggested that people refrain from
initiating weight-loss diets or exercise programs at sea (maintenance
of established programs is encouraged).
Bring treats from home (e.g. soda, candy, or gum) along
to minimize the sense of deprivation of creature comforts that may
occur.
Often stress at sea centers around human relations. Two or three weeks
at sea working intensely with a small group of people under difficult
conditions can often lead to conflict and tension. Communication is
often the solution; the Chief Scientist and Watch Chiefs are there to
assist and referee. Talk things out rather than letting them fester
inside. A final consideration regarding stress at sea: as with
seasickness, stressful situations are temporary and are a part of life
at sea. Many people find that dealing with and overcoming stress is a
stimulating and rewarding part of their sea-going experience.
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What to Bring
Foul-weather gear or rain gear (jacket, bib-overalls and
boots) is
provided, as are gloves and glove liners. When providing your
size, keep in
mind that you will have to fit heavy clothing or two pairs of
socks
under your foul weather gear for warmth during cold weather. The
boot sizing varies according to manufacturer. It's always better to go
with a size larger if uncertain.
As far as personal clothing is concerned, old or used work clothes
should be worn - the work can get messy. The amount of clothing worn
will depend upon the season, but temperatures over the open water are
usually much cooler than on land, and nights are cooler still. No matter
what the season, its best to wear layers. That way you are prepared for
a wide range of temperatures. In addition, the wind is always blowing,
anything from a light breeze to a real blow. Sweatshirts, Polartec jackets, down vests,
wool hats or beanies, baseball caps in summer, thermal underwear and warm socks are common dress items.
Summer cruises tend to be cooler than days on land, but there can
also be very hot days depending on the wind and latitude of your cruise.
Bear in mind that you will often be working in the sun for hours at a
time in the summer, so bring sun block, a hat and sunglasses.
A lot of time is spent climbing in and out of your
boots. Slip-on (versus tie) shoes will save you time and energy. For safety reasons, open toed are not
to be worn aboard the vessel except in your stateroom. This includes
clogs, Crocs, flip-flops or any other variation of open toed shoe.
Hats (wool or baseball) and a long-sleeved shirt must be worn during ship emergency drills.
Each ship has laundry facilities and detergent is
provided. Being able to do laundry may help you decide how much clothing to
pack. The exception to this is for cruises on the Sharp, where laundry may be limited to one load per week.
For stowing purposes, duffel
bags are preferred over bulky suitcases.
Salt water, sun, and wind combine to create a harsh and
drying environment for human skin and hair. Your skin, hands in
particular, can become drier than you would expect. Skin lotion, lip
balm and hair conditioner should
find their way into the sea-bags of those who are sensitive to the
elements. On the southern cruises during warm weather, insect
repellent
is something handy to have. If you are
taking any sort of medication or have any medical condition, you
should inform the medical officer upon sailing. Be sure to bring
along an adequate supply of your medication and/or pain reliever.
Don't forget your toothbrush.
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Suggested Packing List
- Seasickness preventive medication
- Wool cap and/or baseball cap
- T-shirts, socks, underwear: enough for 4 to 6 days on a bottom
trawl/clam survey (heavier socks in cooler months), enough for 5-7 days on a
scallop survey
- Hooded sweatshirt
- Sweatshirts: 2 or 3
- Polartec, down vest or similar jacket
- Thermal underwear for cooler months
- Long pants: 2 to 3
- Shorts in warm weather: 2 to 3 (3 to 4 on scallop)
- Backpack or small bag
- Sunglasses
- Sun block
- Insect repellent for summer
- Lip balm
- Pain reliever
- Medication (adequate supply)
- Cold remedy (cough syrup, drops)
- Closed-toed shoes or sneakers (slip-on types are popular and convenient)
- Two toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash (a good scrubbing kind is nice), shampoo, conditioner, deodorant or two
- Brush/comb
- Shaving/personal cosmetics
- Nail clippers/tweezers
- Small flashlight
- Extra set of eyeglasses or contacts
The following items are optional:
- Cell phone charger
- Body lotion
- Treats and comfort food
- Flip flops for shower
- Books, DVDs, board games, magazines, iPod and charger
- Vitamins
- In-soles for boots
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Ear plugs and eye shades can be helpful for sleeping
- Pillow
- Workout clothes
- PJs
- Hair dryer
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Cruise Comments From Past Volunteers
"It is a great experience for sailors with a scientific interest in fisheries."
Spring bottom trawl volunteer, 2007
"Personally, I don't think I am a fisheries person. I am not the best at cutting and throwing the fish around. I understand that's the gist of what you are doing and studying, its just a personal thing."
Spring bottom trawl volunteer, 2007
"It takes a while to de-sensitize yourself to the welfare of the study organisms as killing the animals is inevitable for the survey."
Spring bottom trawl volunteer, 2007
"I had a wonderful experience even if I had to dig through 200
piles of ocean muck to find scallops, skates, goosefish and seastars".
Scallop volunteer, 2007
"…I would describe how arduous the work is. I was not fully prepared for how exhausted I would be".
Scallop volunteer, 2007
"I learnt the hard way that I should have taken seasickness tablets before leaving the dock, even though I had been on plenty of boats before the ride of your ships is different."
Fall bottom trawl volunteer, 2007
"Suggest finding a way to suspend the body mid-air during rough weather."
Spring bottom trawl volunteer, 2008
"The cruise was delayed multiple times, even though these were unavoidable due to weather, these were boring."
Spring bottom trawl volunteer, 2008
"Clam survey is a little monotonous, but that is what it is."
Clam volunteer, 2008
"The physical work was pretty tough. Not undoable [sic] - but strenuous."
Clam volunteer, 2008
"Bring lots of layered clothing. Participate in off-shift activities. Eat your veggies."
Fall bottom trawl volunteer, 2009
"Seasickness is never fun, but a part of ocean life. There again the website helped me prepare for that one. One of the scientists got me some crackers and water until it passed. There is nothing more to do than take seasickness pills before leaving the dock and hope for the best."
Fall bottom trawl volunteer, 2009
"I had worries that as volunteers, we will get small, maybe unnecessary jobs....but that was not the case at all. We were actually doing the work. Awesome!"
Fall bottom trawl volunteer, 2010
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Guide to Nautical and Fishing Terms
We have created a list of commonly used nautical and fishing terms for first-timers aboard our survey.
Click here to navigate to the guide.
