Red Cap & A Speedo

As cool a tool as it may be, the MOCNESS can be finicky. It takes several people to cock and reset it's nets.

Retrieving the MOCNESS (Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System). If we find bluefin during live sorting we may deploy the MOCNESS to collect additional samples. We use the MOCNESS with 5 individual nests, that we open/close by remote at specific depths. This net is also equipped with an altimeter, which allows us to precisely sample specific layers in the water column.

Selena live sorting a plankton sample from the S10 neuston.

The first leg of the cruise is complete, so I'm heading back home. Stay tuned for a few more updates as I finish editing photos.

The torpedo shaped flowmeter allows us to keep track of the volume of water that filters through our plankton net.

Our most effective tool for catching bluefin tuna is the neuston. Typically the neuston is towed at the surface. However we adopted a technique, from our Spanish colleagues, where the towing cable is continually adjusted through out the tow. This makes the net undulate through the first 10m of the water column, and is much more effective at catching larval bluefin.

Raul checking the niskin bottles, before deployment.

Study in blue #14

John Lamkin with mini-bongo plankton net.

Estrella recording flow meter readings.

Photo was stitched together from three frames, and dust spots removed

Justin caught us some lunch!

Study in blue #4

We saw a large pod of dolphins, west of the Dry Tortugas.

I am trying to publish at least one photo every day, as long as my schedule / internet connection cooperate and I’m not too sea sick.

Name our fighting tuna contest. Submit your ideas to name our mascot. Winner will be selected at the end of the cruise and will receive a zippy-top bag of fresh Gulf of Mexico air. Reblog and post your sugestion with #WS1405 or submit your idea with the "Ask me Anything" link.