We woke early this morning to pack and make our way to the Island C; after loading our gear and meeting the crew, we were under way. We were joined by Trevor (our captain), Harry (the engineer), Rich (the biologist), Emily (the deckhand), and Mike (the cook). Several of us napped as we pulled out of the harbor, but we gathered again for lunch and a safety briefing, where Andy and Harry gave instructions and details about life on a ship.
About halfway to Shuyak, we dropped a few fishing lines in the water; before we knew it, we had five large fish flopping on the deck. Justin led the way with two halibut and a rockfish, but several of us eventually landed fish. We easily had enough to accompany our hamburger dinners, and there's plenty more on ice for later in the week. The highlight of this fishing, however, was watching the interns take turns with the filet knife. Under Rich's watchful eye, they produced a few nice filets as well as a few fish organs. We took turns holding the heart of a halibut, passing it around the deck amazed that it was still beating, outside of the fish. We had several other wildlife sightings, too: we saw several whales breach in the distance, puffins flying and swimming not far from the boat, and we also passed not far from a sea lion breeding ground. And we saw dozens of gulls, most of which were flying behind the boat as we worked at the filet table.
After dinner, Andy gave a brief introduction to marine debris and this week's project. We'll eventually have more information to share about the work; have a look at NOAA's webpage (at right) for more information about marine debris. Click below for today's photos.
Judging by the photos and the use of the filet knives, I think you have a surgeon or two in the making!
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