By Mel Lemke
This week marks the start of the last research cruise for our EPR Biofilms 4 Larvae project. We set sail late morning around 9:15, once everyone was safely onboard WHOI’s R/V Atlantis. Almost immediately, large gusts of wind pushed us along and by 9:30 we really started to boogie.
As per tradition, everyone in the science party gazed into the horizon as we began our transit. Photo credit: Mel Lemke, Western Washington University
Living onboard a ship, even one as incredible as WHOI’s R/V Atlantis, can sometimes be incredibly challenging (in addition to being fantastically incredible). From technical difficulties, to large swells and sea sickness, we began our research cruise troubleshooting, but thats part of life at sea! It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, even when gazing into the beautiful sunsets we witness at sea. Yet, despite a few snaffoos, everyone onboard is buzzing with excitement and optimism as we prep for our missions. We have already begun creating wonderful memories together, including witnessing a small pod of dolphins immediately after departure. They were with us for only a moment before disappearing back into the dark blue pacific ocean, but the positivity they brought was a boost we all felt.
In other good news, this voyage is the first for two members from the Arellano lab! A big congratulations to our REU student Jack (bottom left) and Masters student Laura (bottom right in her safety suit).
Jack (left) and Laura (right) experiencing their first few days at sea. Photo credit: Mel Lemke, Western Washington University
Difficulties faced upon departure are fairly standard for any operation, but such challenges only highlight the incredible strength and resilience of the entire science party, the crew of the R/V Atlantis, and the Alvin team. The crew of WHOI’s R/V Atlantis have been miracle workers and we are so grateful for all of their hard work and dedication to make this trip happen. It’s definitely been an eventful start to the trip, but we are a strong and resilient team dedicated to discovery and exploration. There are no other humans I would rather be out here with, and I cant wait to share what we learn!
Peace, Love, and Larvae
Mel
Laura (left) and Mel (right), bundled up for the windy departure! Photo credit: Mel Lemke, Western Washington University
Mel Lemke is a first year Master’s student in the Biology Program at Western Washington University. This is her second Alvin cruise. Mel likes worms.
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EPR Biofilms4Larvae project is a multi-institutional NSF grant: OCE-1948580 (Arellano), OCE-1947735 (Mullineaux), OCE-1948623 (Vetriani).
Also find us on Instagram! @larvallab, #Biofilms4Larvae
The Inactive Sulfides project is a multi-institutional NSF grant: OCE-2152453 (Mullineaux & Beaulieu), OCE-2152422 (Sylvan & Achberger).
Also find us on Instagram! @jasonsylvan, #LifeAfterVents