Issue 41 - September 2018
NOAA deploys a flotilla of Saildrones in the Arctic
By Kevin Majoros
Scientists have long used a variety of tools to advance science in many fields including fisheries, weather and climate.
In 2014, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) partnered with Saildrone, Inc. to test the possibilities of using unmanned sailing vehicles to collect data.
From 2015 to 2017, missions including one to the Bering Sea, were used to verify the data platforms and to confirm that the sensors were working well. Each year they continued to tweak the challenge sensors adding more complex variables.
Measuring air and water temperature, salinity, carbon dioxide concentration, fish abundance and the presence of marine animals have expanded the usefulness of the Saildrones.
On June 30, 2018, a flotilla of Saildrones was launched from locations in Alaska, Washington and California. The four Saildrones launched from Dutch Harbor, AK are making their way north and are expected to survey vast areas of the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea.
Their journey will take them through the Bering Strait and onward northeast to measure carbon dioxide and the abundance of Arctic cod in the Arctic Ocean.
Ocean Acidification in a Rapidly Changing Climate
Jessica Cross, PH.D. is a chemical oceanographer currently based at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, WA. On August 6, she flew to Nome, AK to board the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Healy.
On August 14, USCGC Healy had a rendezvous with the Saildrones near Icy Cape, AK which is near a series of long-term oceanographic stations. Capturing data at these remote locations is critical to Cross’s work.
“The Artic is one of the most understudied and rapidly changing environments in the world. It is important to establish a baseline for understanding the rate of change,” says Cross. “Acidification of the ocean is happening faster here than in any other part of the world.”
Collecting Data in the Chukchi Sea
The challenge in the past for scientists to collect data in the Artic has been the remote and harsh climate along with the size of the area. The Saildrones are wind propelled, solar powered and able to cover large distances.
While Cross is in the Chukchi Sea aboard the USCGC Healy, she will be collecting samples from shore-based stations and moorings. The USCGC Healy is outfitted with a CTD Rosette which will allow her to capture water samples every 10 meters while sitting above the Chukchi Sea shelf.
One of the many results of ocean acidification is the effect on shell-building animals. The changing chemistry of ocean waters may lead to a lack of calcium carbonate which animals from sea snails to Alaskan King crabs use to construct and maintain their shells.
The current mission will last through the fall as the Saildrones will be affected by the diminished daily light and the angle of the light.
“The Saildrones have become an integral part of our portfolio of data collection tools,” Cross says. “They cover more territory and are faster than the ships we use. We welcome any autonomous tools that keep humans safe.”
The Abundance of Artic cod in Alaska
Two of the Saildrones that are in the Arctic are equipped with echosounders (fishfinders) to determine the amount and distribution of Arctic cod. The fish is a major food source for seabirds, ringed seals, narwhals, belugas and other fish.
Alex De Robertis, PH.D. is a fisheries biologist at the NOAA Alaskan Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA. Before the current utilization of Saildrones, his acoustic-trawl survey tools ranged from inflatable boats to icebreakers, buoys and moorings on the seafloor.
His work with Saildrones began in 2016 and the added instrumentation of the drones has led to the use of the echosounders. He has been on board the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson, conducting a series of tests to determine how measurements from the ship compare to the Saildrones.
De Robertis is establishing base data about a major food source in a rapidly warming area that is seeing diminishing sea ice. One piece of the puzzle is what happens to young Arctic cod that are abundant in the summer on the Chukchi Sea shelf.
“There is a high density of age zero (two inches in length) Arctic cod. They spawn annually but there are few adults,” says De Robertis. “We are trying to determine if the adults are not surviving, or if this is a spawning ground with these fish migrating to another area.”
Saildrones Sending Summarized Data over the Internet
The Saildrones are equipped with a memory stick that records data internally. The software summarizes the data and transmits updates to a website for the scientists to utilize. The flash drive will be retrieved at the end of the mission for complete data.
“In terms of fishing management, we need more people out there. What we are doing in the Chukchi Sea is very expensive and so remote,” De Robertis says. “We are usually faced with limitations and the Saildrones are another useful tool especially for working in deep water and covering large areas.”
Checking in with Tagged Fur Seals on the Pribilof Islands
De Robertis was also involved in the Saildrones mission in the Pribilof Islands which directly compares seal foraging with fish resources. The GPS tagged fur seals collected data at the same time the Saildrones were following them around.
The Saildrones collected data on location, depth and number of fish within the feeding grounds of the fur seals. The combined data has provided information about food resources, foraging behavior and pup growth.
“Having the Saildrones as a new tool has increased the size of our studies. That is important because everything in the Arctic area is changing fast,” says De Robertis. “They are giving us the ability to advance science in a new way.”
You can track the Saildrones here.
Kevin Majoros shares stories on sports, ocean adventuring and conservation. He is based in Baltimore/Washington and travels the world as a competitive swimmer.
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We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.
- Running community building projects in 174 countries
- Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
- Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
- Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
- Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
- Providing free scientific resources for educators
- Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
- Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
- We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future
Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.
Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.
This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci
Issue 41 - September 2018
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – September 2018 – Issue 41.
Letter from the Editor: Rethinking soap… for the environment. 
Our next experiment at home was a little more time consuming, involves more planning, but was lot more fun. Read more…
9 Wild Outdoor and Hiking Films to Add to Your Watch List
If you’ve already checked off outdoors classics like “Planet Earth” and “Into the Wild” and are itching for more adventure films, then you’re going to want to check out this awesome list… Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION: NOAA deploys a flotilla of Saildrones in the Arctic
In 2014, NOAA partnered with Saildrone, Inc. to test the possibilities of using unmanned sailing vehicles to collect data. Read more…
Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018
Freediver stops to rest along a sandy channel in the waters off Maui, Hawaii. See more…
Two more sea turtles rehabilitated and released off Juno Beach
I love following the work of our friends at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. They labor tirelessly to act as the leading authority in sea turtle education, research, and rehabilitation. Read more…
Marine Photographer Jack Reynolds’ Photo Series
His goal is to capture photographs that make people stop and think about the ocean and the expanse of its impact. See more…
The Saviour Fish: Protecting Nisg̱a’a Connection to Oolichan
As oolichan populations across the coast collapsed, impacting culture and access to traditional food for many First Nations, the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government undertook a multi-year research project… Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION: On Thin Ice! Polar Bears in a Warming World: The Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Loss
The loss of sea ice in the Arctic is significantly altering the habitat of Arctic marine mammals who have evolved to reside in the unique Arctic climate. Arctic marine mammals are highly specialized for…Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION: Wildscreen Exchange September 2018 Feature Image
Walrus in the arctic photographed by David Wrangborg. Read more…
Children’s Books on Ocean Plastic
A series of children’s picture books which highlight the problems of plastic in our oceans… Read more…
Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?
41 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 20,000 subscribers, over20,000 monthly visitors…and growing. Read more…
Green Fins Infographic release! #AlternativesToAnchoring
…the second Action Point of the Green Fins IYOR 2018 social media campaign! Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION: Arctic adventures, a photo series
Stunning photography from the top of the world. See more…
The Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post
In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resourcethat gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation. Read more…
Jack’s September 2018 Underwater Photography Feature
…don’t let its cuddly exterior fool you: this tiny octopus can kill you. And quickly. Read more…
Artificial Intelligence Guides Rapid Data-Driven Exploration of Changing Underwater Habitats
Researchers aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor used autonomous underwater robots, along with the Institute’s ROV to acquire 1.3 million high resolution images… Read more…
ECO-TRAVEL DEALS
Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.
A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats.
Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico.
Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico.
A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.
We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive.
Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition.
Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.
…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.
A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more.
Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.
If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides…
Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.
We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world.
We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.
- Running community building projects in 174 countries
- Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
- Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
- Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
- Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
- Providing free scientific resources for educators
- Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
- Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
- We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future
Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.
Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.
This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci
Conservation Photography
Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for September 2018
Freediver Charyse Reinfelder stops for a moment to rest along a sandy channel in the waters off Maui, Hawaii
Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.
If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more
To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com
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We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.
- Running community building projects in 174 countries
- Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
- Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
- Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
- Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
- Providing free scientific resources for educators
- Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
- Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
- We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future
Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.
Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.
This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.
Art & Culture
Rethinking soap… for the environment
Summer is over for many of you while it is just starting to warm up for some readers farther south. I use the change of seasons as my firm reminder for housekeeping and an environmental inventory of my home. Time to change air filters, replace batteries, check windows, and make sure my heating and cooling is running efficiently. It is also a great opportunity to phase out less efficient appliances or products and rethink alternatives that are better for the environment.
Homemade solution to cut plastic
We are trying extra hard to reduce our plastic and packaging consumption. One household step was doing away with bottled body wash and going back to using bar soap. A small no-brainer that uses way less packaging and really saves us money! When you think about it, bottled soap is just a diluted bar with added stabalizers. Basically we are just paying for the cost to bottle and transport the water in our wash. Our next experiment at home was a little more time consuming, involves more planning, but was lot more fun. My husband and I learned how ridiculously easy it was to make soap from scratch. You can buy all the raw ingredients just about anywhere in the world, then heat, mix, and let dry. You can custom make them using essential oils and scrubs with no artificial additives to stay gentle on your skin. One batch goes a long way and once you wrap it in paper it makes a great gift-giving solution.
Our homemade soap recipe and instructions:
Ingredients: ⅔ cup of coconut oil for lather. ⅔ cup olive oil for a hard bar gentle on your skin. ⅔ cup of other oil of your choice like almond oil, avocado, or sunflower. ¼ cup lye – also called 100% sodium hydroxide (found at a local hardware store). ¾ cup cool distilled water. Then your choice of essential oil, any dried herbs or spices, and a scrub (coffee grinds, dried and crushed peach pits, and charcoal bits are my favorite). You will also need a thermometer, soap molds (old food containers like yogurt cups work fine), and some old cooking equipment that you will no longer use for food.
- Using protective gear to keep your eyes, skin, and clothes safe, gently stir the lye into your water. Be sure to avoid accidentally breathing powder or any fumes. Once the lye is dissolved you can set it aside. Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 ° F.
- Then, in another container, add your oils together equalling a full pint. Heat on a stovetop or in the microwave for a minute until it reaches about 120 degrees.
- By this time, both the water-lye solution and the oils should both be about 120 degrees. Monitor their temperature till they drop to somewhere between 95° and 105°. This temperature range is VERY IMPORTANT for soap making. When everything is the correct temperature, transfer the oils to a mixing bowl and slowly mix in the lye solution. Stir for 5 minutes as it thickens and turns lighter. After five minutes when the soap is a medium trace and is still pourable, mix-in your [optional] scrub and essential oils and pour the thickened liquid into a mold. Cover with an old towel or cloth and set it aside for at least 24 hours to allow for the saponification process of the base ingredients to become soap.
- After about a day when the soap hardens and cools, pop it out, cut into smaller pieces if need be, and place on a drying rack in a closet or garage. Let the soap dry out and “cure” for up to four weeks. Then use or wrap in paper for storage or to gift away!
If it is that easy, why keep it a secret?
To make soap-making even more fun, invite some friends for wine, tell them to bring their own essential oil, plus a scrub of their choice, and make it a group event. Then everyone can share a bar of their own creation. When I first heard about making soap for a greener household I filed that suggestion away with churning my own butter and sewing my own clothes- but it is actually really easy, realistic, and it makes a huge impact. Trying it out once is likely enough to make you never want to go back.
This was by far the most green solution we found for washing up at home. Do you have any other DIY tips, recipes, or suggestions? Let us know so we can share them!
Once again I would like to thank all of our contributors and readers for your continued support. If you care about the transforming power of visual media and storytelling, and for the current and future generation of ocean conservation professionals, please consider a small donation to keep SEVENSEAS Media a free resource.
Safe travels and happy swimming,
Giacomo Abrusci
Executive Director
We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.
- Running community building projects in 174 countries
- Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
- Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
- Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
- Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
- Providing free scientific resources for educators
- Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
- Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
- We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future
Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.
Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.
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