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Oregon II has been active in shark and red snapper research for nearly 30 years, and the research continues in 2009. July 18th started Oregon II’s longest continuous project of 2009, the Shark and Red Snapper Bottom Longline Survey. The "OII" is tasked with 59 days-at-sea of shark fishing from Cape Hatteras, NC to Brownsville, TX divided into 4 legs out to sea. Below are some scenes from the 1st and 2nd leg of the 2009 installment.
 Scientist Brooke Shipley (L to R), SF Lino Luis, SCI Ryan McDermott, and CB Walter “Jeff” Jeffords ready the baited hooks for the initial set out. After the ship positions itself, the baited hooks are connected via 6’ “leader” to the 1 mile of longline that rests on the sea floor. The hooks will sit on the bottom for 1 hour and hauled back on deck. |
 CB Jeff and a scientist bring a nurse shark along side during the haul back. Sharks that are too large are placed in a cradle and hoisted alongside where the scientists are better able to take samples and tag them. |
 Everyone wants to give a helping hand when lowering the cradle. Pictured are (Top to Bottom) SCI Ian Davenport, SCI Jim Nienow, SF Luis, SCI Lee Trebotich, SF Chuck Godwin, SCI Joey Salisbury, and Field Party Chief Lisa Jones. |
 LF Tim Martin and Dr. Willam “Trey” Driggers works a large catch as SCI John Moser looks on. In addition to recording the total length of each shark borough on board, the scientists also determine sex, weigh, and tag each cradled shark. |
 Capt Dave’s vigilant eyes survey all below him! |
 SCI Shipley prepares the bucket for haul back. |
 Jeff has an idea! |
 Sometimes the crew the of OII are fortunate to see some amazing phenomenon that are out of this world. About 100 miles off the coast of Tampa, the exhaust trail of a rocket is illuminated by the sun. Although the sun is still below the horizon, the cloud created by the rocket is so high that the rays of sunlight are able to reach it. |
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• URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/ot/visitor/longline_2009/longline_2009.html
• Updated: September 11, 2009
