Townsend Cromwell
TC-99-04 Lobster Tagging
TC-99-04 Lobster TaggingMarch 24-April 21, 1999
April 1, 1999 We're continuing our lobster tagging efforts. To date we have captured,
tagged and released about 300 spiny lobsters. We recaptured 3 lobsters tagged last October and though the tags were a little worn, they remained readable and undamaged, even after all the coral and ledges they have undoubtedly been
scraped under during that time. In addition to spiny lobsters, the traps also bring up slipper lobsters, moray eels, hermit and box crabs (right), various small fish and occasionally white tip sharks. Life
aboard ship has fallen into a routine as it normally does on these 30 day
trips. Everyone has their work schedule and finds recreation time around
it. Most of the scientists and crew start work at 8:00 AM as the trap haulback
starts. They work until the last trap is set back on the ocean bottom and
the working deck is scrubbed down (usually around 4:30 PM). If operations
such as ADCP transects, plankton tows, or bottom fishing occur later, a
certain number of scientists and crew are involved with this in addition
to their day time work schedule. Life
on a ship is unlike life on land in many aspects. Our mess deck (where we
eat) is much like a very small cafeteria. As you would suspect, there are
situations that happen in our mess deck that don't happen in land based
cafeterias. For instance, when you put your glass of milk on the table in
a cafeteria, you expect it to remain there until you pick it back up. In
our mess deck however, leaving an unattended glass of milk on the table
in front of you often results in your having to change into dry clothes
before the meal is over. Yesterday morning I was in the mess deck having breakfast as a group of scientists and crew walked through, laughing and talking amongst themselves. They filed out the back door to watch the sunrise from the back deck and were gone less than a minute when the CO (Captain) started turning the ship to the left. In mid turn, the right side of the ship rode up a swell and slid down into the base of the next swell, hitting it with a jarring jolt. Immediately afterwards, the back door flew open and 4 very wet people entered, demanding to know "WHO was driving this thing??!!" I was working to keep a straight face when the door opened again and in walked two of our most experience deck personnel, soaked from head to toe. Our skilled fisherman is a big guy and the sight of him dripping wet and shivering in the A/C, alongside our 60+ year old Chief Boatswain who had a sheepish grin on his face, was too much and I broke out laughing. If you can imagine two of your friends suddenly hit with buckets of water, you can imagine my reaction. I doubt that any diner can boast such entertainment.
- For related information about lobster research, visit the Honolulu Laboratory's Kewalo Research Facility Lobster Research web pages.