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Bering Ecosystem Change

Hi Craig, Wow - great pictures and your journal is so interesting to read. Thanks for telling us about the ship and showing us the scientists setting up their equipment. I was wondering about the sampling, if there is a schedule that the different teams of scientists follow and if they are sampling new areas or areas they have previously taken samples from.

Mon, 03/17/2008 - 13:20

Craig Kasemodel

Sorry for the delay in my responses. Sampling for the bottom sonar and water sampling began once we left Dutch Harbor. We reached our first sampling station on Sunday at 7am. We have been slowed down somewhat from all of the snow on the ice as it creates friction on the sides of the ship plus at times we have run into high ice ridges, created when 2 ice floes push into each other. When that happens we have to back up several times and move off to the side or ram it until we get through.We are trying to measure 5-6 stations that Lee Cooper began sampling in the late 80's. They have a time series of data that will give an indication of yearly changes at the same location. Plus, we will be sampling new areas, as we have walrus and spectacled eider researchers on board that need to reach the polyna off of St Lawrence Island.
When we reach a sampling station, it is a flurry of activity with many teams going out on the ice to collect data, some teams stay onboard to utilize the ships cranes and winches to reach the bottom, and some teams flying on the helicopter to look for eiders and walrus.

Fri, 03/21/2008 - 05:39

Catherine Campbell

Thanks for the reply - I know you must be swamped (not literally, of course)It will be awesome for you to go out on the ice and get on the helicopter - you'll get some great pictures.  Keep up the good work, stay warm and safe.