The NOAAS OSCAR ELTON SETTE is underway in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands in support of Protected Species Investigations. We are transporting Field Biologists from The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to their field camps on small remote islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

These camps monitor Hawaiian Monk seals as well as endangered birds, sea turtles, and vegetation. These remote island refuges are delicate ecosystems that are rebounding from years of damage from human activities. The biologists observe the seal population, survey bird populations and nesting areas, and eradicate invasive non native vegetation. Most of these islands have been heavily impacted over the last 200 years by guano mining or military installations.

Making sure that everything that goes on the island is sanitized is an important part of the project. Most of these islands are quarantined to ensure that no invasive species of plant or insect is introduced by the members of the field camps or their equipment. They bring all brand new cloths and shoes. Their food supplies cannot contain tomatoes or melons or any other food items that include seeds. A quarter of their day is spent doing tasks that support the camp leaving the rest to do field work. Little time is left to relax.

This cruise we are supporting camps on Tern Island, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, and Midway Atoll. We also conducted a seal survey at Pearl and Hermes Reef. We are conducting CTDs at 9 established sites for the Hawaiian Ocean Mixing Project. This project aids our understanding of the role that the Hawaiian Island ridge plays in effecting oceanographic conditions in the Pacific Ocean.