Submitted by Jen-Li Barry
After a very early start and a few safety lessons, our GELS group parted from the Point Loma dock aboard the R.G. Sproul prepared to explore the ocean. After touring the ship and watching the boat gracefully skim the ocean, we were ready to begin our research experiments. There were a variety of tests we conducted, from recording water temperatures at varying depths, collecting samples with the CTD, and tossing M&M’s overboard. While every moment on the trip was filled with curiosity and a sense of peace at sea, my most memorable experience of the day was examining a mud sample retrieved from the bottom of the ocean.
After a very early start and a few safety lessons, our GELS group parted from the Point Loma dock aboard the R.G. Sproul prepared to explore the ocean. After touring the ship and watching the boat gracefully skim the ocean, we were ready to begin our research experiments. There were a variety of tests we conducted, from recording water temperatures at varying depths, collecting samples with the CTD, and tossing M&M’s overboard. While every moment on the trip was filled with curiosity and a sense of peace at sea, my most memorable experience of the day was examining a mud sample retrieved from the bottom of the ocean.
The
crew lowered the bottom trawl, a large metal claw-like instrument, over the
stern of the boat to the bottom. Once the claw scooped up a large sample of mud
from 55m deep, it was raised so everyone could explore the mud and search for creatures.
The mud was smooth and soft and it made us all wonder what having a mud bath
would really feel like. We found quite a
few brittle stars and a variety of worms, but then a splash was noticed in the
water. We spent a good 5 minutes trying to grab what it was with our hands, but
it managed to elude us. I felt the animal slide past a few times, so when
Bonnie handed me a bag to try and capture it, I was able to scoop it into the
bag when it appeared again.
Setting the CTD
Mud! 
Brittle Stars
Using a plastic cup with clear water from the CTD, we dropped the creature into the cup for observation. It resembled an eel, being flat and ribbon-like, and it had two clear stripes. It was trying to swim in a downwards direction, probably wanting to bury itself again, and its motions reminded me of a ribbon in the wind. After the eel paparazzi ended, we tossed it overboard, hoping it would be able to return to its home.
Our mysterious findOur day continued with examining collected plankton under microscopes, touring the ship’s bridge, and viewing the ocean from the bow of the ship. This trip really made me realize how much I truly enjoy the ocean and getting my hands dirty. I hope to gain more experience collecting data in the field and spend more time learning about life at sea. The glass-like conditions of the sea, the relaxing waves, and the engaging activities, all helped create a perfect day on the ocean.
Relaxing while heading back to shore
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