Hey Kids, Squirt here to give you some details on how hard the DEEPEND scientists work!
So what is a typical day like? We usually get nets coming up to the surface on the threes so at 3am and 3pm. It takes anywhere from three to six hours to process the nets. There are six nets per trawl and each net is opened at a different depth. Here are some photos of some of the scientists on board the Point Sur.
Below we have Dr. Sutton identifying some of the smaller specimens!
The scientist alsoenjoy three square meals a day from the amazing kitchen crew on the Point Sur!
Sleep is usually the hardest adjustment for the scientists because of the net times and the way the sleep windows are divided. The scientists can get five or six hours of sleep but its going to be broken into two shorter sleeping times. It's all worth it though! These are great people and these opportunities give us a chance to catalogue the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico!
Below we have one of the goliaths of the deep- a giant amphipod! We get these fairly regular in the deeper tows. The entire head of these amphipods is comprised of giant eyes. Does it remind you of anything?
Below we can see the eyes a little closer!
Until next time!