Jacob Tanenbaum: Teacher At Sea 2007

Monday, May 21, 2007

 

Bongo Nets

NOAA Teacher At Sea: Jacob Tanenbaum
NOAA Ship MILLER FREEMAN
Mission: Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations
Day 3: May 21, 2007

Weather Data from the Bridge:
Visibility: 6
Wind Speed: 27
Sea Wave Height: 8
Water Temperature: 4.6
Air Temperature: 5.1
Pressure: 1009.6

Personal Log:

So far the weather has been great and the sailing has been smooth up to today... Perfect for whale watching off the bridge. Here is a picture of a minke whale we sighted late last night. These nice few days are letting me get re-adjusted to being out at sea. The Gulf of Alaska is not always this easy. In fact, a low pressure system is moving in right now and the ship is finally starting to shake. At least I have had a few days to get used to being out at sea. Do you think I will get sea-sick?

Flat Stanley has been sighted all over the ship these last few days. Here he is on the bridge checking the radar.
Today I watched our Chief Boatswain, Bruce Knoepke make a new saftey rope. Click here for a video.

I have some other news for you: Rusty the ship’s cat is now living in Seattle, Washington with Nancy, a former crew member who retired at the end of last year. She was Rusty’s main caretaker and Rusty went along with her as she left the ship. Rusty is missed by all, but is happy climbing trees in Seattle, which is a beautiful city in Washington State, in the Pacific North West. Bon Voyage, Rusty!



Science Log:

We continue taking samples of plankton all along the Gulf of Alaska just south of the Alaska Peninsula. We are using a special net called a bongo. There are two nets with a very fine mesh, just about the size of the screen on your window in the summer. It is put in the water behind the ship and lowered towards the bottom and then raised again. Fish can usually avoid the small opening at the top of each net, but plankton cannot. They come up in the net and are washed down into a sample bottle at the “cod end.” It is a complex process to deploy the net. It is heavy and must be moved with a winch while two of us maneuver it on and off the ship. Take a look at this video. Which shows the process in detail.

Tomorrow, we will look at how the lab works.

We will also make an attempt to drop the buoy in the next day or so. An attempt means we want to make sure the water and wind are moving in the right direction for us. I’ll keep you posted.

Question of the Day:

On some ships, like the ones featured on many TV shows, the crew often do not wear harnesses, flotation or hard hats. Other ships, like NOAA Ships, will not let you on deck during operations without that kind of gear. The gear is heavy, cumbersome, and takes time to put on, but it does help keep you safe. Which would you prefer for yourself and why?

Answers to Your Questions and Comments:

Many of you answered correctly that the suite is orange so the wearer can be seen easily in case the person falls into the water. Orange is a great color for safety. It shows up against just about anything in nature; green plants, blue water, ice and snow, sandy deserts.

Many of you asked about the weather. It has been in the 50’s sometimes in the afternoon, but most of the time it has been in the 40’s with wind. Now the wind and waves are picking up a little and the temperature is starting to drop down. We may get rain or even sleet in the next few days. I have not been sea-sick yet, but… we’ll see.

Ms. Begin’s class, great questions. The ship travels about 14 miles per hour. Have I been frightened? No, when I see all the safety precautions NOAA takes, I know they take my safety and that of everyone on the ship very seriously. That makes me feel secure. So, yes, all the gear I wear is heavy, but falling into the Gulf of Alaska the storm that is coming up would feel a whole lot worse! I don’t mind wearing the gear at all.

And, yes, I do miss my family. A special hello to my two boys Simon and Nicky. Hello to Annie and Sean as well.
Here is a picture of some of our plankton samples, seen under a microscope.

Comments:
Nicky - hey dad! i hope you are haveing a good time in alaska i read all that stuf about planton it is cool have a great time
 
dear mr.t
What are you trying to do with plankton. are you reasearching anybthing else.

from Mrs Earlys class
 
Dear Mr. T
How are you having fun with the plankton? If I was there with you I would wear the safety gear to protect myself. For example I would make sure I am not near the edge of the boat. Also I would like to see all the cool and interesting plankton that you are studing. I think wearing the safety Gear would be fun!!!
 
DEAR MR.T
HOW IS IT UP THERE WITH THE PLANKTON. IF I WOULD BE UP THERE I WOULD EVEN WEAR THE SAFE GEAR IN BED. I want to let you know to weaR YOUR GEAR ALL THE TIME. FOR EXAMPLE I heard about these two brothers on a ship 1 brother was running around and he fell into the water and the 2nd brother threw the rope and the brother caught it and he was saved.
 
Dear Mr.T
I would wear the heavy orange safty gear. I would wear it because if i fell over board I wouldn't like to get hurt or lost. Also I wouldn't like to get cold or get bad frost bite. Finally if I were you I would stay away from the edge of the boat as much as you can.
 
DEAR MR T

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE PLANKTON. ARE YOU RESEARCHING ANYTHING ELSE.I WOULD WEAR SAFETY GEAR ON THE BOAT.
FROM MRS EARLYS CLASS
 
Dear Mr.T,

I would wear the safty gear.even though it might be heavy. I would wear the saftey gear cause say you slip and fall right off the boat. I would fell more pertected with the safety gear any ways. what would you like more? Another reason I like the safety gear is cause it is orange and thats my favorite color
- Ms.Earlys Class :]
 
Dear Mr. T
I was wathcing a show on Discovery Hd and it said that Carbon Dioxide was coming out of the ocean? What is up with that?
 
Dear Mr.T

Hello! I am from Ms.Early's class.I would like to wear the saftey gear because I want to stay safe. This is because I don't want to get hurt when I might fall overboard. Also, I would like to know about some of the plankton there. See ya! :)
 
i wouldnt wear the saftey gear because i am really really really stable!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are the plankton really cool?Just like me. SEEYA

By Anthony
Ms.Caunitz
 
hi I would not wear protection gear on the ship because i am really stable and i dont fall.but wat expierements are you doing on the ship?How are you studying plankton? But maybe i could wear one saftie thing, i don't know

by:kevin
mrs.caunitz's class
 
Dear Mr. T,
Is is fun at the Bering Sea? How many exsperiments are you going to do?If I were there I would where the saftey gear all the time.How many plankton did you find.
 
Dear Mrs.T,
I would love it if you will bring back some plancton.
 
dear Mr.T will you bring in plakton and sponges.because The class has to see it.and I want a pet sponge.
 
Dear Mr. T.,

are you going to see the plankton? Did you drop the buoy mr.T did you see sqwid word tell him I said hi. And tell spong bob I said
hi and tell mr. crab make me a crabby pattie and french fries.
 
Dear Mr.T
it look like a lot of fun when you are on the ship. why are you getting a lot of fish. what would happen if someone did flall over
 
Dear Mr.Tannenbaum
what else cool did you see besides the Minke Whale? I would not wear the equipment because it is heavy. Anyway I wouldn't go on the side of the boat
 
is the suit very heavy?
 
hey mr.t,
i would want to wear the gear to be safe i dont care if it takes me a day to put it on.
 
Dear Mr.T
Do you really like going up to Alaska every year or do you think it is boaring? I probley wouldn't wear all the gear because if it is really heavy you can fall off and you will sink because all the gear is heavey and if you don't have the gear then you can swim esearier.
GS
 
Dear Mr.Tannenbaum,

How is it in alaska? I would wear the equipment because if you fall offthe boat there is a very good chance you might die of hypothermia
before they get you back up. So I think it would be a good idea to wear the equipment

From,
Ethan
 
dear mr t
would you where the safty gear? i would not beacause if you fall in you will sink to the bottom of of the ocean. And do you kill wales
 
HI!!

We all miss you here:) What other animals are you reaserching? What other animals did you see?
 
Dear Mr. T Is the equiptment heavy? Would you sink? I would wear it any way.


S.M.
 
dear mr t
I would not ware those potectof outfits because if you fall off the ship you will sink and die. bye
 
Dear Mr.T,
How are you? Can you put pictures of dolfins and speceies of fish on you web site? Yes, I would put on all the gear on. What kind of fish have you seen all ready? Hope you have fun!

From,
K.M.M.
 
Dear Mr. Tanenbaum,
What are you doing and is it fun there? The pictures are very interesting and it would be good if you sent more for students to enjoy.
 
Dear Mr. Taunanbuam,
I hope you are having fun!
How many plankton have you cought?
Please tell me.

From
Matt
 
hi i love fish i saw u holding them
 
How much plankton do you catch with the net? Have you noticed less plankton than last year?
Would I wear the equipment? I definetely would
 
Dear Mr. T
I think it is good to were the portection o5r you might be in trouble So if I were you I would wher the ger for protection.I wouldet were the gear becaus I no how to swim and the gear would way me down and I would dround and I dont wont to drown.
K.O'
 
Dear Mr.T
How many fish have you caught so far and how big are some of them? I would like to see a picture of the biggest fish you have caught. I would wear the gear because if I wear to fall I would float and be able to swim.
A.I.
 
mr.T how's the sea. I probaly wouldn't waer the equipment becuase Iwouldn't be able to swim

K.S.
 
Dear Mr.T,

How are you doing on the boat.Have you gotten sea sick yet.I would wear the gear because if you fall in the water you could die of hypotheermia

from,
collin
 
Do you catch fish? Do you eat it?I would not were the gear because I think I would be safe
 
Is that flat stanley?

we have a flat basset, ask Tiffany about him!
 
greetings!! how are you? I would like to ask a question to you. If you know, please answer. Did you find more or less plankton this year from last year??
Thanks have a good time!!
 
Dear Mr.T,
Hey whats up?How are you?Is it fun on the ship?Is the Cat still with you? I HOPE HE IS!!!!!!!!I would wear the safety gear because it is very safe!!!!!Well,have fun!!!!

From,
Taylor
 
Greetings,
Mr. Tananbaum, how are you? About your question, in my opinion I would where all the saftey stuff.(Get ready this is gonna be long) I think this because if it is really windy and stormy and you don't have any saftey stuff on, all of a sudden a huge wave can come out of nowhere and blow you over board. And there is a 1 in a million chance the guy is gonna survive. Also the gear looks really warm and it gets pretty cold out there (or does it not?)Well have a safe and fun journey.
From Amanda
 
Dear Mr.T.,
How is your trip? Your pictures look cool. Did you see anything intresting for the past few days? No, i won't wear the saftey gear because it looks to heavy to wear. I know its dangerous but i would take a chance. The gear looks heavy and how do you run in it? Well, that's all i got to say!
 
DEAR MR.T,
HI.HOW IS YOUR TRIP?HOW MANY PLAKTON ARE THERE.ARE THERE MORE THAT LAST YEAR?ARE THERE ANY KNEW PEOPLE ON BOARD?HOW COLD IS IT THERE?IS THE CAT STILL THERE?IF I WAS ON BOARD I WOULD WHERE THE SAFTEY STUFF BECAUSE IF I WAS ON THE DECK AND NOT WEARING THE SAFLEY STUFF AND SOMEONE HIT ME AND I FELL OFF I WOULD GET REALLY SCARED SO I WOULD WHERE THE SAFTEY GUARDS. WELL, ITS WAS NICE TALKING TO YOU.WRITE BACK

FROM,
CHRISTINA
MR.MCAULIFFES CLASS
 
Hey Mr. Tanenbaum,
I was wondering if you ever saw the show, Deadliest Catch. My parents really like that show. I do too. I think it is pretty interesting. I was also wondering if the ship was going to get a new cat. I heard that Rusty moved away to Seattle, Washington with one of the ships former crew members. Finally, i was wondering if Rusty will ever come back onto the ship. Thanks for reading Mr. T!
 
Dear MR. T Have you caught any Salmon or clown fish ?
 
dear mr. T,

I would wear the safety gear because in case of emergency I would be protected. Mr. T., what kind of experiments are you doing with the plankton? See you soon
 
Hey Mr.T How is it over there?is it scary because you could like fall over or something. Did anyone fall over? well see yah!
 
Dear Mr.T,

That suit you were wearing looked really heavy i don't think i would want to be in that. how did you get a picture of your plane or was that some random plane you decided to take a picture of. Well talk to you later. please write back.

Your Student,
Sean
 
Dear Mr. T.,

If I was in your situation I would wear the safetey gear because it is good to be safe.How did you get hte picture of the plane was it your's? Did you find anything with wrong with the planton?
 
Dear Mr.T how is life on bord the ship? how many Plankton did you catch? what kind of whale was in the picture? are you in the Gulf of Alaska or the Bearing sea? what kind of fish were you holding in the picture? How many crew members are there on the ship? Are you sad that Rusty is gone? Is it windy and cold there in Alaska? Well I hope that you have a safe trip.
 
Dear MrT
How do you like the ship you took?
How many plankton did you catch and how many fish did you catch.What is Alaska like? Did you see any wolves? If you did, they are my favorite animal.If you saw any Killer Whales, they are my second favorite animal.
 
Dear Mr .T Have you seen any sharks yet?
 
Dear Mr. Tanembaum,
Hi! How is it going up there? We're all fine down here. It's finally getting nice out, and a whole lot warmer. I would definately were all that gear. Is it fun on the ship? I went whale watching once with my family once. It was a lot of fun. On time, a big whale jumped up out of the water, and then dove back down, and then a little baby whale followed it and did the same. I hope you enjoy the rest of your tip!

From,
Erin
Mr. McAuliffe's Class
 
Hey Mr. T.,
What's up! How's th Bering Sea???? This is Jill from Mr. McAuliffe's class. I was wondering if you've ever seen the show called deadliest catch? I was also wondering what kind of luck you are havinhg without the ship's cat, Rusty. I learned that ships have cats because they need good luck and without them they would have bad luck. Soooo, that's why I was just wondering what kind of luck are having. How bad are the winds that you are having now? One time I was on Vacation and the winds got really scary! I thought that it was a tornado or something. Have you ever gotten seasick on a boat? I haven't! I love being on ships and boats!
Well, Ciao for now!,
Jill from Mr. M. "s class!
 
dear mr.t

is it hard to walk in the gear i saw in the pitcher?
 
Dear mr.T
yes i would defidently wear the safty uniform. iwould be crazy if i didnt wear it.were there any accicidents on the ship yet.if there was please tell us about it. it would be cool to hear about.is there a big difference in number of plankon this year then last?
is it fun on the boat? do get scared sometimes on the boat?
 
Mr.T

I liked the video of your captain making the rope. It does look like it would be a strong rope.
 
Dear Mr.t.
Has someone ever gone over board.If I went to sea I would always wear a lifejacet.
 
Dear Ms.T
I really enjoyed the video because i leearned alot. i am really instrested this is cool.
What kind of computers do you have and what kind of fish did you catch?i Am excited because i like to see stuff in the sea.
Yes i would where the equipment because it is more safer and there more ofto stay safe then fall overboard wel i hope you have a good trip i will get back to you bye! study more and show us i am excited
 
Dear, Mr.T
I would wear the equipment because if you do fall off you have a life jacket. Also what kind of plankton are you studying? What are you trying to discover by doing it?
 
dear mr t how cold is it. i would not wear the safty costume because you will be like a whale walking on land. did someone fall over board?
 
Dear mr.T yes I would where the safty eqitment to be safe. I liked the video it was very intersting to watch the video showing how to tie a rope.
 
dear Mr.T, If I were on the boat I would not wear all that gear because than it is easier to fall overboard because it would be to heavy.
 
Dear MrT,
Yes i think you should have pertive gear because it can save your life.The people on Deadlyst Catch don't were gear for peteraction do you have any idea why?
P.S. I think you might get seasick.
 
Dear Mr.T,
Have you seen anythhing that would probably catch my interest? I'm so excited! To answer your question, Yes, I would wear safety equipment just to be safe. By the way, have you seen any seals, whales or anything like that? Write back!
 
Dear ,Mr.T

I liked the picture of you in the safty suit.How Does that help,you wont that make you go over bord.
 
Dear Mr.T

IS the is th e palntucane efecting ant kind of fish.
 
Dear Mr T.
I would rather be in safe acwipement then be unsafe and fall overboardinto freezing cold water. Also has anybody gotten hurt on board or fell overboard? Third is it cold out there or is the water cold windy or rocky?Is the water deepout there can you see though the water? Well gotta go bye!
 
Dear Mr.T
What type of Plankton are helpful? If there are more then one how many?Also what type of plankton is your favorit? Did you ever fall in the water I beat it would be very cold in all that deep ocian water! How far are you from here right now? Do you realy like being out at sea? Do you ever feel sick on the ship? Becaus if I was on a ship for that long I would get sick. I would wear all of the eqetment!
 
mr. t
i would prefer the gear. i would because it makes u safe.
i liked learning about how to make the rope.
 
Dear Mr. T I hope you are having a good time in Alaska. If I had to wear that suit to save my life I would wear it, but if it wasn't that risky I probably woldn't. I think it's really cool that he made that rope without any knots.
 
Dear Mr. T


Hope your having a good time.

I would wear that suit because if I had to safe my life i would have to wear it.

What are you studing??
 
Dear Mr.T I was wondering what plankton eat since they are so small? Also I was wondering is the time in the Bearing Sea have a different time than in New York?

From
Sam,
 
Dear Mr T.
I would not dress like that because I don't want to look like that. Also I was wondering what plankton eat.Also does the time in the bearing sea have a diffrence than New York?

From,
Joe
 
Dear MR.T,
Was that outfit you wore heavy or light? did you catch lots of planktons? is it fun over there? the plankton that is in the picture is really small. the little 2 inch figure by the radar is wartching in the fish finder or just watching for rocks and bardges under water.

Sincerly,
Digi
 
Dear Mr.T
I hope your are having a good time at the Bering Sea! In Social Studies I had to do a project on
Alaska and I learned about the Bering Sea. Yes, i would wear the equiptment on deck because my 3 cousins passed away and I don't want to make it 4.That would be worse for my family! The vedio was really interesting. Thank you for making it!!!!
 
Dear Mr.T,
I hope you are having a good time on your trip! I think you are gonna find everything interesting on the ship!!!!!! Yes I would wear that oulfit because you always want to be safe then sorry!! The video was sooooo cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Dear Mr. T
you made a mistanke on the link for the plankton it is the rope link.I think it is cool, your trip.
do you see what happens in the lab?
did you get premision to show the spongebob plankton? I would wesr the suit. But it looks really weird. Hope it goes well.
 
Dear Mr T,
I would wear the safty gear during night or stormy weater to keep me safe.
 
Dear Mr.T,

Hopr your having a good time on the ship. I enjoyed watching you make that rope with no knots. What would happen if the plankton did die in large amounts? How do you study the plankton? I wouldn't where that suit because it looks kind of weird. And what do you use the radar for?
 
dear mr t,
i wouldn't wear the gear because it would be uncomfortable and too weird. By the way, have a good time!

Sincerely,
 
Dear MR.T
I wouldn't wear all that gear because it is uncomfortable and it would be and it would be a little heavy. Have a good time!

From,
Anonymous
 
Dear Mr.T,
I hope you're having a good time in Alaska. What would happen if the pollock and other fish were dieing more? What kid of thigs are you finding? I liked the video on you making the rope, it was cool. I would never wear that outfit, but if I might get hurt otherwise I would, because I really don't like getting hurt. But i guess I'd wear it.
From,
Alexa
 
Dear Mr. Tanenbaum,

I liked the video about the man who made a rope without knots. Its' pretty cool how he did that. Have you found any information about the plankton yet? I think you should do some more videos about that guy making the rope.
 
Dear Mr. T
I would wear the suit if I will ever go up there to Alaska. By the way, the video when the man was making the rope with no nots was very interesting.
From,

A student in Cottage Lane
 
Dear Mr.T I think that i would ware the suit even though it looks weird because i want to be safe insted of getting hurt. I also want to know what kind of plancton have you caught? Also I thought that the movie was cool how you can tie arope without a knot!
 
Dear Mr. T.,
What are discovering about the plankton?I wear the gear would becasuse it is going to keep me alive.is it fun???
 
Dear mr.T
I hope you are having a great time I really liked the video with the man who made the rope wthout knots.What would happen if the plankton were no more how would the enviroment suffer, because every sea animal has to help the enviroment some way right.If I were at sea I would probably where that protective gear.
 
dear: Mr.T,
you found a whale bone (a skull)!

i would were the gear i would feel safe and will be safe.
 
Dear Mr.T,

Did you See any seals? Are you having Fun!?


P.S. Who's Snuggy?
 
hi mr t,

how is alaska, how cold does it get.


yes I would. I don't want to drown
 
Dear Mr.T
I am enjoying the pictures of plankton very much. Thanks for posting them. What did you feel like when Rusty left?

I would wear some of the gear you wear on the boat. It looks like too much, and I don't think all it's nessesary.
 
Dear Mr. T,
How's your trip? The weather looks freezing there! That video on making the rope was really interesting! I always thought that they used knots to do the fishing! Did you get sea sick yet? I don't get sea sick.
If i were a crew member i would deffinitly wear the gear especially in weather like this!
-BRiANNA
 
Dear Mr. T,
How is your trip going? It's fun seeing the videos and pictures you take of Alaska, and the Bering Sea, & the ship. I wouldn't wear the orange suit, because if you worked below deck, and never had to go up, it would just be a waste of time. Have fun for the rest of the month in Alaska!
 
HI MR.T HOWS IT GOING AT SEA!! ARE YOU HAVING FUN, WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK?? TECHNOLOGY IS PRETTY BORING WITH OUT YOU!!!
 
Hey Mr. T, Hows it Been? How was Your Trip. When are you coming back?
 
Dear Mr. T,
I really liked the picture with the whale on. It was very cool. What was the most interesting thing you learned during your trip so far? I would wear the safety gear, but it may be very uncomfortable.

I hope you have a fun time!
 
Dear Mr. T.
Hi! How are you doing? I'm doing fine! Yes, I would wear the gears beacuse I will want to be safe! Can you sent a picture of your favorite animal in the bering Sea? The pictures are amazing! Are you having fun on the ship? Is it heavy wearing all those gears and do you like wearing all those gears?
~Sangeetha
 
Dear Mr T,
I really like your site. Your blog it is awsome. My favorite part is the dive video. To answer your question i would wear the gear to be safe.
Your Student,
Ryan
 
Heyy Mr T
How are you doing? What happened to the Fish Food game?
 
I agree there shoud be safty gear.
 
yo dad
i think what your doing you are doing out their is daring exciting and neat so neat i wish i was their to help out
you can reply by my email

take a video when you drop the bouey and tell use when you will do that cause that is what we have been waiting for months

love you simon
 
Hi Jacob,
So glad to see you finally got there! I'm in again for Maryann today and watched your video with one of the classes. You're doing a great job. Saw Simon at SOMS on Monday. He said you were enjoying everything.
See you when you get back. Have a great time!
Substitute Kathy
 
Dear Mr. T.,

Ms. Cassetta's Kindergarten class couldn't believe how high those waves were. While watching the video we felt as though the room was rocking along with you. Michael says that he wouldn't be afraid to go on the ship, he thinks it would be so much fun and he would love to be able to see the waves and animals. He thinks that he may be able to find a sunken ship. Zoe says, "No way" she would go, the water looks cold and dark. Mr. T, take care of yourself and Michael wants you to be good to the fish.
 
Dear Mr. T,

Ms. Yelin's first grade class was evenly divided regarding your question of whether they would go out to sea like you have. Half the class thought it would be an awesome adenture. They would hope to see many kinds of Alaskan wildlife. The other half said that they would be a little nervous and get sea sick out there, especially after seeing the video of the waves hitting your ship. Mr. T., many of our students are very aware of the importance that plankton plays in the food chain. Ava knew that many animals depend on plankton for their survival. She was interested in the pictures that you have posted. Ryan had an interesting question. He knows that many ocean animals eat plankton, but he asks, what is it that plankton eat?
 
my man what the happ
man that is rocking stuff out their

i miss you

love simon
 
mr.t
how many more days will you be there for? the ship will be 300 knots.
 
Dear Mr.T.
300 knots per day and 345 knots convert into miles.Is it cold in the Bearing sea? How did you find the island? Was it scary traveling on the boat in the really bad winds?

_ J.K.





_ J.K.
 
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