Student Connection

Just in from the Ship

TC-99-07 Lobster Assessment
June 6-July 4, 1999

     June 23, 1999  On June 22 we completed our trapping operations on Necker and headed west(92 miles) for French Frigate Shoals. At 3:30 in the morning of the 23rd, we performed a 500 meter CTD cast south of "The Shoals". By 0645, we were anchored up due south of Tern Island on the north end of French Frigate Shoals. Over the next 4 hours, we transferred 15 boatloads of supplies, food, fuel and water to the National Marine Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife scientists stationed there. Our lobster scientists and Teachers at Sea  (above right) received a chance to visit Tern Island and meet with the scientists studying the Hawaiian Monk seals and sea birds there. They spent a couple of hours walking around the island and viewing first hand the many sea birds using the tiny island to lay their eggs and brood their young. 

     At 1100 it was time for us to haul anchor and continue west (237 miles)   for Maro Reef where we have 6 lobster traps (left) stations to perform and 4 ADCP transects to collect data on the currents surrounding the reef. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the ship has been making 10 knots (about 12 mph). Teacher at Sea Judy Reeves commented how it felt almost strange to walk on the island and not have it rolling under her feet. After 2 weeks at sea, the rolling begins to feel natural. We still have 11 days remaining until we return to Honolulu.

• June 9
• June 10
• June 14
• June 17
• June 22
• June 23
• July 3

Last modified June 22, 1999