November 14 to December 9, 1998 - AR9811, Leg V
Manzanillo, Mexico to San Diego, CA

Objectives:
A line-transect survey designed to estimate the abundance of dolphins affected by the eastern tropical Pacific purse-seine fishery for yellowfin tuna, especially two depleted stocks: the eastern stock of spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris and the north eastern stock of the spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata. In addition, data was collected to characterize the physical and biological characteristics of the eastern tropical pacific pelagic ecosystem.

Additional information:

AR9811, Leg V was the fifth of five legs of the SPAM98 project. This project also involves two other research vessels, another NOAA vessel, the David Starr Jordan and the Endeavor from the University of Rhode Island. All three vessels are working in different parts of the Pacific Ocean. The intended work on all the AR9811 legs is the same, but the geographic area covered will be different for each leg.

Work performed on this trip:

Daytime operations consisted of marine mammal and sea bird observation along a pre-determined transect. The term "on effort" was used to define times when the McArthur was following a pre-determined course. The term"on chase" was used to define the times when the ship would deviate from the transect to follow turtles, schools of dolphins or other marine mammals. Dipnetting was conducted for 1 hour after sunset each night from the fantail of the McArthur.

A CTD cast and water sampling was conducted 1.5 hours before sunrise each day and .5 hour after sunset each night. Water samples for analysis of nutrients, chlorophyll, productivity and salinity were taken. The chlorophyll, productivity and salinity samples were processed on board the McArthur. Plankton net tows were also conducted at night after the CTD cast. Manta and bongo nets were used each night and a .5 meter ring net and Issacs-Kidd Mid-water Trawl (IKMT) was used at several pre-determined sites.
 

Leg V was the last leg of a four month project and everybody was looking forward to going home. It was cookie making and milkshakes on the "Annual November 18th Celebration", a Thanksgiving day barbeque and pinata on the fantail and a birthday celebration. There was also a pneumatic line throwing (PLT) demonstration that was part of one of our weekly safety drills. There was also a surprise celebration for Mac crew member, Brett Puckett, who was a recipient of the NOAA Administrator Award.

Return to MCARTHUR's Visitors Page

Return to MCARTHUR's Home Page
Inquires and Comments
URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/ar/projects/ar98011e.htm
Updated: April 19, 2000