ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cruise OC298 was the fourteenth GLOBEC Broadscale cruise to

Georges Bank, and the second of the 1997 survey season. Although

the entire crew and scientific complement were challenged by the

stormy weather, our scientific mission was successfully

completed. Beyond an experienced core of scientific investigators

and technicians, this success is attributable to the entire crew

of Oceanus, and to the Shipboard Scientific Services Group (SSSG)

staff who sailed with us, and those who helped ashore prior to

sailing. Under the exceptional leadership of Captain Larry

Bearse, we all found the crew to be most helpful, personable,

alert, and indeed flexible to our scientific priorities, which,

due to the adverse weather over the entire two week cruise, made

for constant adjustments to our schedule. Our requests were

categorically obliged, with a refreshingly professional attitude.

Our safety was foremost in the minds of the crew, and often they

suggested improvements to standard Broadscale procedures, as well

as to operational concerns particular to Oceanus. Suggesting

operational and safety improvements to what has become procedural

routine to this particular core of science personnel seemed to be

second nature for the ships crew. The engineering staff provided

uninterupted basic power and water needs, additionally helping

with an emergency repair to the 10 meter MOCNESS system.In

terms of the galley, the only complaint we repeatedly heard was

that Hugh and Juju offered too many excellent choices at

mealtime.

The SSSG group was very busy prior to sailing in order to

accomodate specific requests from the GSO-Narragansett Broadscale

group for a new exhaust hood/sink and for arrangement of the main

lab benches. Hovey Clifford had little turn around time between

OC297 and our leg to coordinate final design and construction of

the fume hood, which, after some arbitration, completely

satisfied our scientific and safety needs.

We thank and want to recognize a truly exceptional Captain

and crew, and all those who made OC298 successful.

This cruise was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This report was

edited by Maureen Taylor and Erich Horgan.

Table of Contents

Cruise Objective

Sampling Operations

Equipment Notes

Cruise Narrative........................1

Individual Reports

Hydrography.....................

Phytoplankton, Chlorophyll, and Nutrients.....

Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Studies

Preliminary Results : Zooplankton

Preliminary Results : Ichthyoplankton

Preliminary Results : 10 m2 MOCNESS

Preliminary Results : Reeve net

Copepod Life History Studies

Mooring Redeployment

Mooring Retrieval

Appendix A. Personnel List

Appendix B. Event Log

Appendix C. Hydrographic Data

Purpose of the Cruise

The cruise aboard Oceanus (OC298) was the second in a series of six scheduled Broad Scale surveys to be conducted monthly from January to June during 1997 to monitor the changing biological and physical status in the Georges Bank ecosystem. These six cruises are the third year of broad scale surveys conducted as part of the U.S. GLOBEC Georges Bank Program. The personnel who participated in this cruise are listed in Appendix A.

The principle objectives of the cruise were to:

(1) determine the distribution and abundance of the ichthyoplankton and zooplankton community on the Bank and in the adjacent Gulf of Maine and slope waters. Emphasis is on target fish (eggs, larval and juvenile cod and haddock) and copepod species (all stages of Calanus finmarchicus and Pseudocalanus sp.) and their predators and prey.

(2) provide systematic collections of larval and juvenile cod and haddock for age and growth estimates and feeding habits.

(3) collect individuals of Calanus and the euphausid Meganyctiphanes norvegica, for population genetics studies.

(4) conduct a hydrographic survey of the Bank.

(5) map the Bank wide velocity field using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).

(6) deploy four shallow (10m) and one deep (40m) expendable drifter.

(7) to redeploy two long-term moorings which had become stationarily-challenged late last year.

Sampling Operations

The plan for the GLOBEC Broad Scale surveys is to accomplish the objectives above by sampling at a grid of 39 "standard station"

locations which cover the entire bank (Figure 1A). The Broad Scale sampling protocol separates these 39 stations into two groups: full stations and partial stations. At the 19 full stations, a complete set of sampling operations is conducted. This involved a double-oblique bongo net tow, a Mark IV CTD cast, a 1-m² MOCNESS (Multiple Opening Closing Net Environmental Sampling System, MOC-1) tow, a 10-m² MOCNESS (MOC-10) tow, a plankton pump cast, and a vertical Reeve net tow. At the partial stations only the Bongo tow, CTD cast and MOC-1 tow are done. Seawater samples were collected during CTD operations for phytoplankton pigment and nutrient analyses. Additionally, samples for phytoplankton species identification, cell count, and spatial distribution were taken for later shore analysis. Occasionally, water was also drawn for salinity determination and H₂18O/H2¹⁶O isotope concentration analysis. A Licor light meter was used opportunistically to measure Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). At selected stations, the real-time CTD and a Niskin bottle cast were made for calibration purposes. Bongo tows are done in between the standard stations to increase the sampling density for cod and haddock larvae.

Five expendable drifters (4 shallow-10m, 1 deep-40m) were deployed at predetermined stations as per Dick Limeburner.

Current measurements were continuously collected by a hull mounted 300 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).

Two operations beyond the normal scope of the Broad Scale survey plan were also conducted during the cruise. First, two long-term moorings were redeployed at standard stations 9, on the Southeast Flank, and at standard station 20 on the Northeast Peak. Second, we agreed to recover another mooring which had broken free from its anchor.

Equipment notes:

MOCNESS operations began with the MOC1 and initially Error messages 5 and 11 appeared on the screen every few seconds. Descriptions for these error messages were not on board. So began a thorough hardware check for connections and continuity. Next, we checked the Deck Unit, Underwater Net Control Unit (NCU), flow meter, net motor, and net response switch using the MOCNESS Control Systems run with Terminal.exe, the terminal emulator program run in Microsoft Windows (see MOCNESS Operating and Maintenance Instructions, Biological Environmental Sampling Systems, N. Falmouth, MA). All seemed well so we proceeded on to check the presence of the correct sensor configuration files in the "moccnfg" folder in the MOCNESS directory; they were present. We suspected the new software modified for Windows 95 as the problem; so we then switched the CPU with the backup we had along on this cruise. It had the version written for Windows 3.1. This solved the problem, which validated our suspicions.

After returning from sea, Peter Wiebe was apprised of the situation and returned a while later with news that the proper configuration files were present, but that the file for the conductivity sensor on the MOC1 was corrupt. This was the cause of our problems, not something inherent to the Windows 95 version of mocness.exe.

The Electroline termination used for the MOC10 would return from fishing the net with a half-turn on the bridle. The shackle holding the bridle to the termination was turned around a half turn after each haul. It is suspected that the new 0.68 wire on the winch

The Reeve net protocol needs to be modified. The total Reeve net weight on OC298 deployments was insufficient to maintain enough tension on the hydro winch wire during descent; the wire went slack as the ship rolled with the seas. We used a Bongo Ball attached to the termination to achieve proper wire tension. Additional weight is going to be added to the codend bucket bottom for the next Broad Scale cruise to assist in a proper wire tension during deployment.

There are four operations conducted from the hydro winch on Oceanus; we had to frequently break the "mecca" connections for each instrument: Seabird CTD, MK5 CTD, Pump, and 1-m MOCNESS. This resulted in a fair amount of stress on the mecca wires and we had to re-terminate adaptors on a several occasions. The CTD systems performed well during the entire survey. There were some minor problems with the lanyards on the MK5 rosette. It is now believed that the safety line above the instrument interferred with the bottles and caused occasional misfires.

Cruise Narrative OC298

Tuesday February 11. We are underway at 13:30. Boat drills and

science meeting follow shortly after departure. The afternoon

is spent securing gear, computers and settling into our bunks.

Additional sampling requests include Reeve net hauls at priority

#1 stations (MADIN), an extra bongo haul for live pteropods if

found in concentration at any station (Gallagher), two pump hauls

at four of the priority #1 stations for sorting of nauplii stage

zooplankton (Durbin), and a light attenuation cast daily at

approximately 12:00 if sea and light conditions are suitable

(Townsend).

Wednesday February 12. First station at approximately 01:50.

Bongo and CTD operations went well. Problems with the 1 m2

MOCNESS at 05:30. E. Horgan discovered that the E/O plug was

improperly attached to the step motor. The acquisition software

would consistently display Error 5 and Error 11 messages upon

start of program. Futile attempts to remedy the situation left us

switching the CPU with Windows 95 on it to the backup one with

Windows 3.1. This solution allowed us to fish the MOCNESS

successfully. A second bongo haul was made in place of the 1 m2

MOCNESS at stn stations 1 and 2. MOCNESS (1m) arrangement not

entirely satisfactory. The chinese finger (used for safety line

attachment) comes very close to the block, so there is very

little clearance off the deck when lifting the frame from its

cradle. Also, it was agreed a tugger would be much safer and

easier to use than a person when retrieving the frame from

outboard. CTD systems are working well although some of the

rosette bottles for water sample collection have mis-fired.

Thursday February 13. Have completed stn stations 4-7, Flow

meter from 1 m2 MOCNESS is also being used on the 10 m2 MOCNESS

because of a faulty reed switch. Otherwise, all other operations

progressing smoothly.

Friday February 14. Arrive stn sta 009 at 07:15. Preparations

for the 1st mooring deployment begin (Irish and O'Malley).

Mooring successfully deployed at 11:25. A second MK5 CTD cast

was made after the deployment. A light cast was made using the

MK5 with a par sensor clamped above it (Townsend). The 10m2

MOCNESS haul was re-towed because of the safety line getting

stuck in the flow meter. Winds and seas began to build by

mid-afternoon. A second bongo haul was made in lieu of the 1 m2

MOCNESS at stn stations 10 and 11.

Saturday February 15. Stn stations 12 - 16 completed. Winds and

seas again increasing, cod end #9 lost during 1 m2 MOCNESS. The

MOC-10 was cancelled but the Reeve net was successfully deployed.

The MOCNESS acquisition software displays a persistent "ERROR #5"

which the SSSG technician, by process of elimination, determined

to be from corrupted GPS input *. We have since

disconnected that input and are again operational.

Sunday February 16. Stn sta #17, conditions still marginal for

deploying MOCNESS systems. A second bongo haul was made in lieu

of the 1 m2 MOCNESS. Plankton pump operations were aborted

after the hose detached from the wire. All operations were

successfully deployed (except 10m2 MOCNESS) at stn station #18.

Because of the forecast for deteriorating weather during the next

36 hours, it was decided to skip stn sta #19 (and the

intermediate bongos on either side of it) and head directly for

stn station #20 and deploy the second Irish mooring. An attempt

will be made to pick up stn #19 after exiting Canadian waters if

time and weather permit. 1930 - Irish mooring deployed, station

operations begin immediately following deployment.

* A post-cruise evaluation by Peter Wiebe revealed that the

configuration file for one of the environmental sensors was

corrupt and that, at least, contributed to the error messages we

encountered.

Monday February 17. We began experiencing intermittent signal

problems with the Seabird CTD on the bongo as well as the 1 m2

MOCNESS system. The problem was a bad wire on the termination.

We swapped out 1 of the ground wires, repeated the bongo with no

problems. However, at stn station #24 the 1 m2 MOCNESS system

continued to lose signal during the haul. After three attempts,

it was decided to perform a second bongo haul in lieu of the

MOCNESS. The adapter that plugs the 1 m2 MOCNESS under water

unit into the sea cable (e/o--> mecca) was found to be open. A

quick repair was made, and the system would be tested at the next

station.

Tuesday February 18. All operations went well at stn station

#25: Bongo, Pump, CTD, 1 m2 MOCNESS, 10 m2 MOCNESS and second

drifter deployment. Winds and seas once again building. During

the Bongo haul at stn #39, a very large wave crashed over the

side of the deck work area. The stands that hold the 1 m2

MOCNESS buckled and broke causing the frame to fall to the deck.

The plankton pump barrel was also hit and badly damaged. The

electronics were taken off the 1 m2 MOCNESS and tested in the

lab. The system appears to be O.K. but the housings of the

battery case and under water unit should be checked for any small

fractures. The stainless steel bars that run along side of the

frame were bent at the top and bottom threads and it is feared

that there may be stress fractures. Weather decks were secured

and operations suspended. We will not attempt to deploy the 1 m2

MOCNESS again since it is uncertain if the pressure housings of

the electronics would leak and cause more damage, or if the frame

itself has been weakened by the bent bars. The plankton crew

will attempt to reshape the pump barrel.

Wednesday February 19. Station operations resume. Completed stn

stations 26 - 28 and intermediate bongo stations.

Thursday February 20. Signal problems occur at stn #29 during

the second bongo haul. We removed the 2:1 conductor adaptor

(since the Seabird does not require two conductors) and the haul

went well. A plankton pump (newly repaired) and Reeve net haul

were then done to allow time to make up a new 2:1 adaptor

(required on the MK5). There were no signal problems during the

MK5 CTD cast although we were again plagued with mis-fired

bottles on the rosette. Seas building 10 - 15ft, winds 40+

knots. We are monitoring the position of a loose GLOBEC mooring

drifting in the Great South Channel and have been requested to

assist in its recovery if time allows (R. Schlitz, NMFS). Our

cruise track has been alterred to pick up Stn station #19

(skipped earlier in lieu of the 2nd Irish mooring). Station

sequence will be 30,19,32,31,40,33,34,35,...38 A weighted tether

was rigged by D. Mountain and J. Irish to aide in CTD deployments

and prevent the MK5 from swinging during launch and recovery.

This worked well on its first test. Winds and seas calming by

7:00 pm.

Friday February 21. At stn station #40, the 10 m2 MOCNESS was

deployed first because of predicted increasing winds and seas

(again!). Some signal problems with the Seabird during the first

bongo haul. The screw that holds the ground wires to the

termination was found to be loose. After tightening, the two

bongo hauls and MK5 CTD cast went well. Still hoping to be able

to assist in the recovery of the loose GLOBEC mooring in Great

South Channel. Have requested radio contact with R. Schlitz to

get the most recent position and complete trajectory since

breaking free. Working at Stn station #34 @ 10:00 am. We should

complete the cruise track by sunrise tomorrow and hope to spend

the day searching for the wayward mooring. Radio call with R.

Schlitz gave latest position 41.009 N 68.008 W @1100z. Pump at

this station was repeated because of missing the "net change" cue

from winch operator.

Saturday February 22. 10 m2 MOCNESS and Pump cancelled due to

high winds and seas. Bongo and CTD operations continue. J.

Irish repaired a broken mecca connector on the sea cable splice.

Winds gusting over 40 knots. We lumbered our way to stn sta #38

at about 4 knots. Bongo, CTD, Reeve, and two drifters deployed.

Last station completed. At 08:00 we receive a fax from R.

Schlitz giving latest GPS fix on loose mooring. It is about 35

miles from our present location. Search pattern begins at 13:00

with at least six observers scanning the horizon for the yellow

mooring. The buoy was spotted by Toni Chute at 15:00

(approximately 3 miles from the latest reported position). After

a few passes, the mooring was skillfully brought on board by the

Bosun and crew of the Oceanus at 16:50.

We are heading home with the forecast for a bumpy ride with winds

over 45 knots.

Individual Reports

Hydrography (Maureen Taylor and David Mountain)

The primary hydrographic data presented here were

collected using a Neil Brown Mark V CTD instrument (MK5), which

provides measurements of pressure, temperature, conductivity,

fluorescence and light transmission. The MK5 records at a rate

of 16 obser- vations per second, and is equipped with a rosette

for collecting water samples at selected depths.

Bongo hauls were made at each of the stations occupied.

A Seabird Electronics Seacat model 19 profiling instrument (SBE19

Profiler) was used on each bongo tow to provide depth information

during the tow. Pressure, temperature, and salinity observations

are recorded twice per second by the Profiler.

The following is a list of the CTD data collected with

each of the sampling systems used on the cruise:

Instrument # Casts

MK5 40

MK5 calibration 38

SBE19/Bongo 103

SBE19 calibration 6

The MK5 was deployed with 11 bottles on the rosette and

samples were collected for various investigators. At primary #1

and 2 stations, 400 mls were immediately siphoned out of two

Niskins (bottom and mid-depth) for observations of micro-

zooplankton swimming behaviour (S. Gallagher and H. Brown, WHOI).

Samples were collected for oxygen isotope analysis at selected

depths for R. Houghton (LDGO) and a sample was taken at the

bottom for calibrating the instrument's conductivity data.

Chlorophyll and nutrient samples were collected at various depths

by D. Townsend and J. Xu. Surface samples for phytoplankton

species composition were collected and preserved for J. O'Reilly

(NMFS) at full stations only.

Parameter # samples taken

Oxygen isotope 131

Micro-zooplankton 34

Chlorophyll 146

Species composition 12

Data:

The SBE19 Profiler and the MK5 data were post-processed

at sea. The Profiler data were processed using the Seabird

manufactured software: DATCNV, FILTER, ALIGNCTD, BINAVG, DERIVE,

ASCIIOUT to produce 1 decibar averaged ascii files. The raw MK5

data files were processed using the manufacturer's software

CTDPOST in order to identify bad data scans by "first

differencing." The latter program flags any data where the

difference between sequential scans of each variable exceed some

preset limit. The "Smart Editor" within CTDPOST was then used to

interpolate over the flagged values. The cleaned raw data were

converted into pressure averaged, pressure centered 1 decibar

files using algorithms provided by R. Millard of WHOI, which had

been adapted for use with the MK5.

Both CTD systems work well. The Mecca termination

connectors on the hydro wire failed on a few occasions due to the

stress of changing between instruments on each station. The

rosette suffered a number of misfires during the first part of

the cruise, and the lanyards on some bottles hung up - resulting

in some desired samples not being collected or being lost. A

safety wire being used on the CTD package was removed because it

appeared capable of interfering with the firing of the bottles,

and the lanyards were rearranged to be positioned along the right

side of the bottles. Misfires and lanyard hang ups largely

disappeared and the second half of the cruise no samples were

lost due to the earlier problems.

Due to weather, the MK5 system was not deployed on two

stations (standard stations 30 and 39 - shown as station numbers

173 and 159, respectively, in Figure 1b), and the SBE19 data from

the bongo tow at those stations were substituted as the primary

hydrographic.

RESULTS:

Figure 1 shows the consecutive and standard station

locations occupied during the bank-wide survey. The surface and

bottom temperature and salinity distributions are shown in

Figures 2 & 4. Surface and bottom anomalies of temperature and

salinity as well as a stratification index (sigma-t difference

from the surface to 30 meters) were calculated using the NMFS

MARMAP hydrographic data set as a reference. The anomaly

distributions are shown in figures 3 & 5. The distribution of

fluorescence (expressed in volts) at the surface and bottom are

shown in figure 7. Profiles of each MK5 CTD cast with a

compressed listing of the data are shown in appendix 1.

The volume average temperature and salinity of the upper

30 meters were calculated for the four sub-regions shown in

Figure 8. These values are compared with characteristic values

that have been calculated from the MARMAP data set for the same

areas and calendar days. The volume of Georges Bank water

(salinity < 34 psu) was also calculated and compared against the

expected values.

The water temperature was near normal over most of the

Bank, except along the southern flank, where the anomaly values

were < - 1.0 c, particularly along the bottom (Figure 3b). The

salinity was considerably lower than the MARMAP reference values,

with anomalies over much of the bank of < -0.7, and over the

southern flank, of < -1.0 (Figure 6). The lowest salinities

observed were at the offbank stations along the southern flank

and in Northeast Channel. These values suggest a westward flow

of Scotian Shelf water across Northeast Channel and just south of

the bank. The negative anomalies of bottom temperature and

salinity suggest the influence of Scotian Shelf water over much

of the southern flank of the Bank between 66 30' and 68 30' W.

The Scotian Shelf water influence does not appear continuous from

the Northeast Peak westward, with a break near 66 30' W. The

Scotian Shelf water may have intruded across Northeast Channel in

pulses, or may have moved west south of the Bank and intruded up

onto the southern flank west of 66 30' W from the south.

Analysis of satellite imagery may be able to resolve this

uncertainty.

The large negative salinity anomalies over the Bank

continue a trend toward lower salinity that has been observed

since late 1994 - through the 1995 and 1996 GLOBEC sampling

periods - in the Gulf of Maine and on Georges Bank. The

intrusion of Scotian Shelf water along the southern edge and

flank of the Bank is a separate (at least locally separate)

phenomenon from the large negative salinity anomalies over the

rest of the Bank.

The water columns on the Bank (< 80 m water depth) were

well mixed, except on the eastern part of the bank, where the

intrusion of Scotian Shelf water in the near surface layer

(0-25m) resulted in modest stratification.

The fluorescence values (figure 7) are low relative to

values observed later in the season in 1995 and 1996. Also, with

the well-mixed conditions, there were no large subsurface peaks

in fluorescence often observed in association with a well

developed pyncocline later in the season. The highest

fluorescence values during this cruise were in the shallow,

central portion of the Bank. Figure 9 shows the comparison

between the fluorescence data from the CTD (volts) and the

extracted chlorophyll. The R2 is approximately 0.60.

Phytoplankton Chlorophyll, Nutrients and Light Attenuation

Studies David W. Townsend and Jiandong Xu

University of Maine

The purpose of this project is to investigate the idea that

the growth and production of zooplankton and fish on Georges Bank

are limited by the amount of nutrients (especially nitrogen) that

is brought onto the Bank from the nutrient-rich, deeper waters

around the Bank's edges (cf. Townsend and Pettigrew, 1996).

Thus, we are collecting water samples on four of the six

broadscale cruises (February to May) to analyze for a suite of

and phytoplankton biomass and chlorophyll a. The sampling period is

chosen to bracket the winter-to-early summer transition. During

this cruise, water samples were collected for the analyses of:

dissolved inorganic nutrients (NO3+NO2, NH4, SiO4, PO4);

dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus;

particulate organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, and

phytoplankton chlorophyll a and phaeophytin

Water collections were made at various depths at all of the

regular hydrographic stations (Stations 1 - 40) sampled during

the February 1997 broad scale survey cruise aboard R/V Oceanus,

using the 1.7 liter Niskin bottles mounted on the rosette

sampler. Additional surface water samples were collected at

positions between the regular stations (Stations 41 - 81) using a

Kimmerer Bottle to sample a depth of 2m.

Light attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)

was measured at two stations, intended to be on the Bank at or

about noon; these were the only such stations when sea state

conditions allowed a light cast. A LiCor underwater spherical

quantum sensor and deck-mounted cosine quantum sensor were used

to compare the underwater light field as a function of depth and

coincident surface irradiance. Data were collected at stations 9

and 18 (see Table 1). Samples for dissolved inorganic nutrients

and chlorophyll were collected at all stations, 1-40, and all

in-between stations (at 2 m). Water samples for DIN were

filtered through 0.45 µm Millipore cellulose acetate membrane

filters, and the samples frozen immediately in 20ml polyethylene

scintillation vials by first placing the vials in a seawater-ice

bath for about 10 minutes. Samples will be analyzed on shore

follwing the cruise using a Technicon II 4-Channel AutoAnalyzer.

Water samples (50 mls) for dissolved organic nitrogen, and

total dissolved phosphorus were collected at 2 depths (2 and 20m)

at each of the main stations and frozen as described above. These

samples will be analyzed ashore using a modification of the

method of Valderrama (1981).

Samples for particulate organic carbon and nitrogen were

collected by filtering 500 mls from 2 depths (2 and 20m) at each

of the main stations onto pre-combusted, pre-ashed GF/F glass

fiber filters, and filters frozen for analysis ashore. The

filters will be fumed with HCl to remove inorganic carbon, and

analyzed using a Control Equipment Model 240-XA CHN analyzer

(Parsons et al., 1984).

Samples for particulate phosphorus will be collected as for PON (but 200 mls will be filtered) and frozen at sea. Laboratory analyses will involve digesting the sample in acidic persulfate and then analyzing for dissolved orthophosphate. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a and phaeopigments were measured on discrete water samples collected at all stations (see Table 2) and determined fluorometrically (Parsons et al., 1984). The extracted chlorophyll measurments involved collecting 100ml from all bottle samples taken at depths shallower than 60m, filtering through GF/F filters, and

extracting the chlorophyll in 90% acetone in a freezer for at

least 12 hours. The samples were analyzed at sea using a Turner

Model 10 fluorometer. These data will be used in regressions

against measurements of in situ fluorescence as part of the

regular CTD casts.

References:

Parsons, T.R., Y. Maita and C.M. Lalli. 1984. A Manual of

Chemical and Biological Methods for Seawater Analysis. Pergamon,

Oxford. 173 pp.

Townsend, D.W. and N.R. Pettigrew. 1996. Nutrient limitation of secondary production on Georges Bank. J. Plankton Res. 19(2): In Press.

Valderrama, J.C. 1981. The simultaneous analysis of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in natural waters. Marine Chemistry 10:

109-122.

Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Studies Based on Bongo and

MOCNESS Tows. (John Sibunka, James Gibson, Pilar Heredia, Antonie

Chute, Alyce Jacquet, James Pierson and Alyse Weiner)

Objectives:

(1) Principle objectives of the ichthyoplankton group in the

broadscale part of the U.S. GLOBEC Georges Bank Program were to

study the composition of the larval fish community on Georges

Bank, to define larval fish distribution across the Bank and

within the water column, to determine those factors which

influence their vertical distribution, and to determine bank-wide

versus "Patch-Study" mortality and growth rates. Emphasis in

this study is on cod and haddock larvae along with their

predators and prey. This study also includes larval distribution

and abundance, and age and growth determination. These

objectives were implemented through use of bongo net and MOCNESS

to make the animal collections.

(2) The primary objective of the zooplankton group was

completion of a bank-wide survey of Georges Bank to determine the

distribution, abundance, and stage composition of the target

species Calanus finmarchicus and Pseudocalanus spp. A second

objective was to identify, quantify, and describe the occurrence

of abundant non-target species in order to provide a description

of the environment occupied by the target species. These

objectives were implemented by using the 1-m2 MOCNESS, a

vertically discrete, multiple opening and closing net system for

sampling the copepodite stages of the zooplankton, a submersible

pump for sampling the naupliar stages, and a vertically towed

Reeve net for sampling gelatinous predators.

In addition to these objectives, the zooplankton group was

responsible for the following:

(a) To collect and sort Calanus finmarchicus at the fifth

naupiar stage for RNA/DNA ratio analysis for Melissa Wagner at the University of Rhode Island.

(b) To take subsamples from the 1-m2 MOCNESS hauls for

population genetic studies on Pseudocalanus spp. for Dr. A.

Bucklin at the University of New Hampshire.

Methods:

Bongo tows were made with a 0.61-m frame fitted with paired 335

µm mesh nets. A 45 kg ball was attached beneath the bongo frame

to depress the sampler. Digital flow meters were suspended in

the mouth of each net to determine the volume of water filtered.

Tows were made according to standard MARMAP procedures, (i.e.,

oblique from surface to within five meters of bottom or to a

maximum depth of 200 m while maintaining a constant wire angle

throughout the tow). Wire payout and retrieval rates were ~40

m/min and 20 m/min respectively. These rates were reduced in

shallow water (<60 m) to obtain a minimum of a five minute tow.

A Seabird CTD was attached to the towing wire above the bongo to

monitor sampling depth in real time mode and to measure and

record temperature and salinity. Once back on board, the 335 µm

mesh nets were each rinsed with seawater into a 335 µm mesh

sieve. The contents of one sieve was preserved in 4% formalin

and kept for ichthyoplankton species composition, abundance and

distribution. The other sample was kept for age and growth

analysis of any larval fish collected and preserved in 95%

ethanol. The same preservation procedure was followed as for the

1-m2 MOCNESS.

At stations where the 1-m2 MOCNESS system either was not towed or

could not be used due to adverse weather conditions, a second

bongo tow was made. This frame was fitted with both 335 µm mesh

and 200 µm mesh nets. Digital flow meters were suspended in the

mouth of each net to determine the volume of water filtered.

Tows were made according to standard MARMAP procedures except

maximum tow depth was 500 m. Wire payout and retrieval rates were

~40 m/min and 20 m/min respectively. Upon completion of the tow,

the nets were each rinsed with seawater into a corresponding mesh

sieve. The sample from the 200 µm mesh net was retained for

zooplankton species composition, abundance and distribution, and

preserved in 10% formalin. The other sample from the 335 µm mesh

net was kept for molecular population genetic analysis of the

copepod, C. finmarchicus, and preserved in 95% ethanol. After 24

h of initial preservation, the alcohol was changed. The used

ethanol was retained for disposal or recycling ashore.

The 1-m2 MOCNESS sampler was loaded with ten nets. Nets 1-4 were

fitted with 150 µm mesh for the collection of older and larger

copepodite and adult stages of the zooplankton. Nets 0, and 5-9

were fitted with 335 µm mesh for zooplankton (nets 0 and 5) and

ichthyoplankton (nets 6-9) collection. Tows were double oblique

from the surface to within 5 m from the bottom. The maximum tow

depth for nets 0, 1 and 5 was 500 m, and for net 6 was 200 m( if

net 5 was sampled deeper than 200 m, it was returned up to 200 m

and closed). Winch rates for nets 0-5 were 15 m/min and for nets

6-9, 10 m/min. The depth strata sampled were 0-15 m, 15-40 m,

40-100 m, and >100 ,m. The first (#0) and sixth (#5) nets were

integrated hauls. For shallow stations, with only 2 or 3 of the

depth strata, not all nets were fished. The contents of nets 0-4

were sieved through 150 µm mesh sieve, subsampled using a 2-L

plankton sample splitter if the final volume was too large, then

preserved in 10% formalin. Samples from nets 5-9 were sieved

through 335 µm mesh sieve and preserved in 95% ethanol. After 24

h of initial preservation, the alcohol was changed. The used

ethanol was retained for disposal or recycling ashore. At

selected stations, 90-ml subsamples from the bottom and surface

150 µm mesh nets were removed and preserved separately in 10%

formalin for Dr. C. Miller. At priority 1 and 2 stations, 90-ml

subsamples from nets 2, 3, and 4 were removed and preserved in

95% ethanol. These samples were collected for Dr. A. Bucklin for

population genetic studies to distinguish between Pseudocalanus

species found on Georges Bank.

The 10-m2 MOCNESS was loaded with five 3.0 mm mesh nets. Tows

were oblique from surface to ~10 m from bottom or a maximum depth

of 500 m. The same depth strata were sampled as with the 1-m2

MOCNESS. The winch rate for retrieval varied between 5 and 15

m/min depending on the depth stratum. The slow winch rates were

used in order to filter at least 4,000-5,000 m3 of water per

depth stratum sampled. A stepped oblique tow profile during

retrieval was used to achieve this, if needed. Catches were

sieved through a 335 µm mesh, and preserved in 10% formalin.

The Pacer high-volume pump was used to collect nauplii and

younger, smaller copepodite stages of zooplankton. The intake

hose was deployed off the starboard side hydro boom by connecting

the suction end, fitted with a 1.7-L Niskin bottle cut in half

lengthwise, to the winch wire. The boom winch meter block was

zeroed at the surface and the wire out reading was used to

determine the depth of the cast. A 70 kg weight was used to

depress the array. Three 30-m sections of 7 cm diameter hose

were connected to the pump, allowing the intake hose to attain a

maximum depth of approximately 85 m. At shallow stations, the

intake hose nozzle was lowered to 3-5 meters off the bottom.

Three integrated depth samples were collected with 35 µm mesh

nets, sieved through a 30 µm mesh sieve and preserved in 10%

formalin. Sampling depths were from the maximum depth to 36 m,

36-12 m, and from 12 m to surface. Before samples were

collected, water was diverted from going into the net and was

allowed to flush for 60 seconds. This assured that the

zooplankton from the desired strata was obtained. Once at the

surface, the intake section was held just below the surface for

60 s. This allowed the water to pass completely through the

hose. Wire retrieval rate was approximately 4-5 m/min. This

rate was used to obtain volumes of 500 L per 5 m depth interval

sampled.

The Reeve net was used to collect larger gelatinous predators.

The object is to try to sample larger gelatinous predators that

are destroyed in the MOCNESS tows. The net was deployed off the

starboard side hydro boom by connecting the net bridle to the

winch wire along with a Bongo ball. The net was lowered at 15

m/min. Tows were made to the depth of the shallowest MOC-10 net,

(usually 0-15 m). The winchman called out the wire out which was

recorded by the science watch chief. The net was hauled up at

about 5 m/min, and carefully retrieved over the side. The sample

was then carefully poured through a large, stainless steel 303um

mesh sieve, then resuspended in a liter jar and inspected for

large gelatinous predators.

Protocol for collection of Calanus finmarchicus fifth naupliar

stage for RNA/DNA ratio analysis include the addition of a fourth

30 µm mesh net during the regular pump cast. The pump intake was

resubmerged after the completion of a normal haul to maximum

depth or within five meters of the bottom. The RPM's of the pump

motor was decreased by half in order to reduce the stress on the

zooplankton. The rate of retrieval was approximately 3-4 m/min

during collection, from bottom to surface. The animals caught in

the net were poured directly into a bucket with seawater taken

from the pump barrel. The sample was then concentrated into a 1

L plastic beaker and kept on ice. A small amount of sample was

scooped into a petri dish and rinsed with MS-222 anesthetic

solution and examined under dissecting microscopes. The

intention was to fill five eppendorf tubes each with five N5

Calanus finmarchicus at standard stations 12, 20, 29, and 38.

Upon examination of samples, however, we discovered a distinct

lack of Calanus finmarchicus nauplii and were therefore unable to

gather the number of specimens necessary for completion of this

experiment.

Preliminary Results : Zooplankton

(James Gibson, Pilar Heredia, Alyce Jacquet, and James Pierson)

Observations of nauplii collection at stations 12, 20, 29, and 38

reveals a low abundance of stage N5 Calanus finmarchicus. At

stations 12, 20, and 29 abundances of all nauplii were low, with

Pseudocalanus spp. being the most abundant species. Station 38

had the greatest abundance of C. finmarchicus nauplii, but still

few N5's of this species were found.

Observations of the 1-m2 MOCNESS samples from nets 0-4, and all

pump samples will be staged and enumerated at the University of

Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography GLOBEC Counting

Laboratory.

No figures describing zooplankton species composition,

distribution, and abundance are being provided in this report due

to individual investigators variability in assessing the actual

zooplankton picture when observing a small subsample of a

complete haul. When the samples are fully processed and

analyzed, the quantitative information collected in this cruise

will become available and can then be used to provide a

comparison of interannual variation of the biological community

on Georges Bank.

Samples Collected by the Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Groups:

Gear Tows Number of Samples

1. Bongo nets, 0.61-m 102 tows 77 preserved,5% formalin

335 µm mesh

102 preserved,EtOH 200 µm mesh

25 preserved, 10%formalin

2. MOCNESS, 1-m2 15 tows

150 µm mesh 47 preserved, 10%formalin

335 µm mesh 15 preserved, 10% formalin

335 µm mesh 60 preserved, EtOH

3. MOCNESS, 10-m2 8 tows 34 preserved,10% formalin 3.0-mm mesh

4. Pump 14 profiles 41 preserved, 10% formalin 335 µm mesh

5. Reeve Net 11 hauls 11 preserved, 5% formalin 335 µm mesh

Preliminary Results: Ichthyoplankton

Bongo and 1-m2 MOCNESS samples collected at the 75 GLOBEC

Broadscale stations visited during this cruise were examined on

board ship to obtain a rough estimate of distribution, abundance

and size range of fish eggs and larvae on Georges Bank. The

samples were already preserved, and observed while in the jar.

The following observations are based on examination of samples

from both bongo nets, and the 1-m2 MOCNESS nets 6-9.

Cod (Gadus morhua)/Pollock (Pollachius virens): Cod/pollock

larvae were collected consistently in low numbers (never more

than five at a station; see cod/pollock figure 10), and showed a

pattern of decreasing size as we sampled from the southwest

toward the northeast portion of the Bank. As we rounded the

Northeast Peak and began heading to the west, the size of the

larvae observed in the samples gradually increased again. On the

Northeast half of the Bank, the larvae observed were 5-6mm in

length. On the Southwest half, their lengths ranged from 7 to 25

mm, averaging 12mm. The smallest larvae were found together with

the greatest densities of cod/haddock/pollock eggs.

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus): Catches of herring larvae

were generally limited to the western portion of the Bank except

for stations 70 and 31 on the north side and station 18 toward

the east (see Atlantic herring figure 11). The highest

concentrations of herring larvae were found in the southwest

quadrant, the same as last month. Most larvae measured more than

30mm in length, and by next month will probably have grown out of

range of our nets.

Sand lance (Ammodytes americanus): The ubiquitous sand lance

larvae were col- lected at almost every station visited on this

cruise (See figure 12). They were most abundant on the southwest

area of the Bank, and concentrated in much the same area as the

herring. In size, they ranged from 10 to 30mm; many catches

contained several different sizes of larvae. The concentration of

tiny larvae found in January, indicative of a localized spawning

event, was not observed this month. The larvae appeared to be

larger and more evenly distributed.

Cod/haddock/pollock eggs: Gadid eggs were concentrated on two

areas of the bank; the Northeast Peak and the northwest quadrant

(see figure 13). These areas also contained the highest densities

of gadid eggs in January. The smallest cod/pollock larvae were

found in conjunction with the greatest densities of eggs in the

Northeast Peak area, although in low numbers. Next month,

hopefully we will see an increase in numbers of larvae collected

in these areas.

Preliminary Results: 10-m2 MOCNESS

The 10-m2 MOCNESS was deployed 8 times during the cruise. Like

last month, most individual net catches were small and easily

contained in one quart jar. Below are brief summaries of catches

per station, based on observations of preserved, jarred samples.

The catches are listed in descending order of biomass.

Standard Station 4, Haul 1

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) larvae, 1000 individuals

averaging 30 mm Decapod shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa)

Windowpane (Scopthalmus aquosus) larvae

Standard Station 7, Haul 2

Euphausiids

Ctenophores

Large caridean shrimp

Large chaetognaths

Siphonophore bells

Herring larvae

Cod (Gadus morhua) larvae

Standard Station 9, Haul 3

Ctenophores

Naked pteropods

Standard Station 13, Haul 4

Ctenophores

Naked pteropods

Cod larvae

Hyperiid amphipods

Siphonophores

Standard Station 20, Haul 5

Ctenophores

Euphausiids

Hyperiid amphipods

Decapod shrimp (Crangon)

Standard Station 25, Haul 6

Ctenophores

Euphausiids

Hyperiid amphipods

Gammarid amphipods

Naked pteropods

Siphonophores

Standard Station 40, Haul 7

Hyperiid amphipods

Euphausiids

Ctenophores

Standard Station 34, Haul 8

Large caridean shrimp

Hyperiid amphipods

Euphausiids

Ctenophores

Summary of Results : Reeve net

This was the first Brodscale cruise on which the Reeve net was

used to collect larger gelatinous predators. 11 hauls were made

from 30 to 200 meters. The only gelatinous predators collected

was Pleurobrachia pileus ; Bolinopsis sp. was not collected at

any of the stations sampled. The net configuration will be changed by adding weight to the codend bucket for the next cruise. The Reeve

net was used to collect Calanus finmarchicus for laboratory

immunology studies back at WHOI.

Copepod Life History Studies

Jennifer Crain/Charles B. Miller, Oregon State University

Renewed support for the OSU-based contribution to the GLOBEC

Broadscale program is focused on a continuation of our

examinations of life history patterns of Calanus finmarchicus on

Georges Bank. Our projects fall into four major categories: (1)

continued analysis of the frequency and environmental correlates

of the apparent sex reversal of genetic male Calanus which

occurs at maturation in a significant portion of the population,

including correlation with fecundity data being gathered by Jeff

Runge and proposed use of molecular methods to determine the

genetic sex of individuals, (2) continued examination of jaw

morphology as a diapause signature in fifth copepodites, and

correlation with lipid storage and gonad development, and as an

indicator of age-within-stage of all copepodite stages (3)

analysis of fat storage by fifth copepodites, using images

captured at sea and Charlie's new algorithm for calculating oil

sac volumes in conjunction with gas chromatography, and (4) a

substantial contribution to the GLOBEC modelling effort using

"individual vector models", being developed by Charlie during his

six month sabbatical in Nice, France.

Can Calanus males reverse their sex?

We have found definite seasonal trends in the proportions of

quadritheks (possibly genetic males which have developed as

females) in our Georges Bank samples from 1994, 1995 and 1996. We

will continue to monitor this trend using formalin preserved

subsamples from selected 150 micron MOC-1 and 200 micron bongo

nets on this and subsequent Broadscale cruises. On this cruise,

we collected subsamples (90/600ml) at standard stations 3, 4, 5,

7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 39, 27, 29, 30, 40, 34, 36

and 38. This was a good month for sampling adults. Most of the

Calanus found were females although there are still a number of

males present.

We hope that we will be able to determine the underlying genetic

sex of individual Calanus and correlate the quadrithek antennal

morphology with genetic maleness. We are attacking this problem

by analysis of DNA fragment lengths, which are expected to be

different in X and Y chromosomes, and searching for highly

multiple repeat sequences characteristic of sex chromosomes. For

these analyses, we are cryopreserving adult male and female

Calanus. On this cruise, adults were sorted from our subsamples

and frozen live in liquid nitrogen from stations 5, 8, 9, 12, 18,

25, 29, and 38. Ethanol preserved subsamples from MOC-1 net 5

(90/400ml) taken at standard stations 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13,

16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 39, 27, 29, 30, 40, 34, 36 and 38 will also

be used.

Age-within-stage and diapause studies

We have been analyzing jaw facies of fifth copepodites to

determine the fractions of their stocks that are A) entering the

copepodite resting stage typical of this species, and B)

preparing for immediate maturation. Copepodites of the A group

retain the postmolt facies, a large hemocoele extension into the

mandibular gnathobase, which looks like a bubble. Copepodites of

the B group quickly lose this 'bubble'. We are dissecting and

examining the jaws of individuals from the formalin preserved

subsamples listed above for this analysis.

Jaw staging is also an indicator of an individual's

age-within-stage. As the animal progresses through each stage,

the jaw facies pass through recognizable as postmolt, late

postmolt, intermolt and tooth formation phases. Preliminary

analyses of jaw phases of individual second through fifth

copepodites from 1995 Broadscale subsamples have yielded some

interesting results with respect to the population dynamics of

Calanus on Georges Bank. The formalin preserved subsamples listed

above will be used for continuation of this effort.

Lipid analyses : total storage volume and component analyses

We are studying the large store of oily wax which C. finmarchicus

secretes into a tubular sac in the prosome of the fifth

copepodite stage, prior to either maturation or rest. Actually,

all copepodite stages have such sacs and accumulate some oil.

The main question under study in 1997 is the areal and seasonal

variation in quantities of oil in C5. Oil is quantified by an

integration of oil sac projected area in video pictures and

approximate conversion to oil volume, using image analysis and an

algorithm recently worked out by Charlie for calculating an

accurate volume estimate from the area. On OC298 there were very

few C5's present in our subsamples, but sets of digital images

were captured at standard stations 9, 25, 29 and 40. Fifth

copepodites are recorded in groups of five, then cryopreserved

for gas chromatographic analysis of the relative amounts of

triacylglycerides and wax ester.

Mooring Redeployment on OC298

Jim Irish

In early December 1996, problems were observed with the

two Long-Term Moored Program's scientific moorings at the

Northeast Peak and Southern Flank sites on Georges Bank. The

Northeast Peak buoy had been showing a slowly decreasing battery

voltage since deployment, and finally the solar power couldn't

keep up with the power drain, and the system shut down due to low

battery voltage on 13 December 1996. To that point the data

telemetered and recorded internally was good. At that time the

data from the Southern Flank mooring was checked more closely,

and although the system was telemetering data regularly with full

batteries, the data was not changing, indicating a problem with

the main digitizer/sensor interface in the data system. Shiptime

was obtained on the R/V OCEANUS with little advance notice when

she came out of the ship yard and we were able to use some

remaining GLOBEC shiptime. A quick recovery cruise was made from

18 to 20 December (R/V OCEANUS Cruise OC294) and both moorings

were successfully recovered with no damage to the mooring

components. Much thanks must go to the R/V OCEANUS and Captain

Howland (on his last trip before retiring) for dedication to

"getting the job done" in a professional and competent manner.

The buoys were returned to WHOI for servicing and repair.

The Northeast Peak buoy (with the dead batteries) was

disassembled, the data system powered up and tested. The current

drain was normal and all indication were that there was no

problems with the data system or sensors. The solar power

regulator and batteries were then checked, and appeared to be

working properly. Because the batteries were discharged down to

about 6 volts (from standard 12 v), they were replaced with new

ones, although it probably was not necessary as the old ones

appeared to recharge and retain about their rated capacity. The

solar panels were checked, and one was bad (no voltage output).

This caused a loss of 1/4 of the charging capacity, but this

alone should not have caused the problem. The other three solar

panels appeared to be charging properly. Finally, the flashing

guard light was checked, and it became apparent that here was the

major problem. The bulbs were changed just before the cruise,

and somehow bulbs with twice the current drain (1.1 amps at 12 v

instead of 0.5 amps) were used, thus doubling the power. Then

the flashing unit itself was drawing significantly more power

than it should. Finally, the daylight shutoff switch was open,

and not shutting off the light during the daylight hours. These

things would marginally cause the observed loss of power, and

were most probably the cause of the failure of the Northeast Peak

mooring.

The Southern Flank mooring appeared to have a dead sensor

interface unit. Upon opening and checking out the unit, it would

not digitize reference signals or pass any diagnostic tests. So

the EDIM (End Device Interface Module) was replaced with a new

one fresh from calibration and the system appeared to be working

properly again. There is the strong likelihood that the system

was damaged by a static storm which was picked up on the signals

leads of the meteorology sensors. This happened with the IMET

suite of sensors on the SEWARD JOHNSON on SJ9504 during a snow

squall in 1995, so is not that unusual. We had some problem with

the wind sensor last winter, so there may be a basic problem that

will have to be addressed in the future.

Good data was retrieved from both buoys up to the time of

their failure, and this data was retrieved and is being

processed. The new RDI Workhorse ADCPs and Sea Bird SeaCats were

also checked and the data retrieved and processed. The WHOI

bio-optical packages were also serviced, the data dumped,

batteries replaced and the optical sensor windows cleaned. All

sensors produced good data for the deployments. The systems were

assembled with the telemetering temperature and conductivity

sensors and run for a month on the WHOI dock successfully before

deployment to test their operation.

The redeploymet was a problem as we did not have

scheduled ship time, and no unscheduled time was available from

local vessels. Ron Schlitz had a mooring deployment cruise in

January, and we tried to get on that cruise, but with all their

moorings gear there was no deck room for our equipment.

Fortunately, we did not get on that cruise, as the weather only

allowed their deployments and no further work of any kind after

their moorings were deployed. We tried to get out the next

weekend on last few days of their ship time which they did not

need, but the wind was blowing 40+ kts and the seas at the

Georges Bank NDBC buoy were up to 20 feet, so that opportunity

was lost. The next opportunity was the two week GLOBEC

Broadscale survey cruise on the R/V OCEANUS from 11 to 24

February 1997. Therefore, Jim Irish and Pat O'Malley packed up

the buoys, sensors support gear, and jumped on the R/V OCEANUS

for OC298.

The GLOBEC Broad Scale survey cruises work their way east

along the Southern Flank, then west along the Northern flank

making some 40 regular stations ( and many intermediate stations)

with various sampling instruments and techniques used at each

station. Two of their stations (Number 9 and 20) were at the

Long-Term Moored Program's mooring sites. Friday 14 February the

OCEANUS arrived at the Southern Flank Station. The buoy was

swung down from the 01 level, and readied for deployment while

standard broadscale survey activity continued to minimize the

loss of time to the program. The same sensors were used in the

same location as in the fall deployment (see cruise report R/V

OCEANUS OC291). The Southern Flank mooring was ready for launch

about 10:30 EST. The buoy was set in the water at 10:50 EST, the

mooring was then paid out slowly by hand to the end of the sensor

string. The ship had about 0.5 kts headway which was ideal and

the deployment went very smoothly. Then the elastic tethers, and

subsurface float were deployed so the mooring was strung out on

the surface ready to tow into position at 11:12 EST. The ship

slowly steamed into position between the two guard buoys and the

anchor was dropped at 11:25 EST at 40 50.041' N x 67 19.209 W.

Just a few tens of meters to the east and north of the previous

position. The acoustic release was interrogated and disabled at

11:40 EST, at a range of 276 meters. The deployment went

smoothly with the help of the ship's personnel, and the mooring

appears to be deployed in the proper place and working. At 15:00

EST a radar check of the buoy indicated that it was still in the

deployed position as three blips in a row were seen on the radar

screen.

A supportive CTD profile was made by Dave

Mountain near the mooring after deployment which showed a well

mixed water column with a temperature of 4.9908 degrees C with a

standard deviation of 2.2 milli degrees C. The salinity was also

well mixed with a salinity of 32.3494 PSU with a standard

deviation of 0.0005 PSU. The chlorophyll-a profiles and levels

indicated that the spring bloom had not yet started. We may be

able to observe it with the moorings this year.

On Sunday 16 February, the R/V OCEANUS skipped broadscale

survey station 19 to arrive at the Northeast Peak site in

daylight and good weather for the deployment of the mooring. The

weather was sunny, cool and the wind was down to 10 kts. The

seas are coming down also, but the weather forecast was for a

full gale overnight, so a late afternoon deployment was selected

to fit into the weather window.

The mooring was moved over from the port side, laid down

on deck, and the sensors attached. The same sensors were used in

the same location as in the fall deployment (see cruise report

R/V OCEANUS OC291). This is the last deployment of this buoy

system. It was first deployed in CODE as a guard buoy in 1980,

then outfitted with a data system and successfully deployed in

the Gulf of Maine in 1985-86 for 13 months. In this

configuration, it was also deployed in Massachusetts Bay in

1989-90, and at the GLOBEC Crest site in 1994-95. Each of these

deployments was for more than one year. This mooring had sensors

at 10 meter increments to 50 meters, a downward looking ADCP at 3

m and a bio-optical package at 10 meters. The buoy was set up in

1.5 hours including moving the buoy and laying it down on deck.

The mooring was deployed immediately after supper. The buoy was

picked up at about 19:10 EST and the anchor splashed down at

19:26 EST. The position of deployment was 41 43.962 N x 66

32.152' W, about 0.04 nm from the previous position. The

acoustic release was disabled and mooring operations shut down

for the rest of the cruise.

A CTD profile was made by Dave Mountain near the mooring

as an in situ calibration. This profile showed slightly

increasing temperature profile (mean of 4.7999 degrees C with a

standard deviation of 0.0159 degrees C and a warming with depth

of about 0.05 degrees C). The salinity also slightly increased

with depth (mean of 32.305 PSU, standard deviation of 0.0032 PSU

and increase of 0.011 PSU). Much of the Bank has been well mixed

to depth, but with horizontal gradients between stations.

Therefore, there is something different going on in the Northeast

Peak region. The ships drift before deployment was about 1.5

kts, which is slightly slower than observed in the previous

deployment cruise.

The GLOBEC Long Term Moored effort would like to thank

the Broad Scale Survey Crew (especially Erich Horgan, Maureen

Taylor, David Mountain and Jaimie Pierson) and Captain Larry

Bearse, Mate Courtney Barber, and Bos'n Jeff Stolp and the deck

crew (Horace Medeiros, Chris Grimes, and Dave Philbrick) of the

R/V OCEANUS for making this successful deployment of the moorings

possible.

Mooring Retrieval (Jim Irish)

The last broadscale station was finally completed about 1000 EST

on Saturday, and the ship headed for the last position of the

mooring that had broken loose. Ron Schlitz had sent a fax with

the latest ARGOS fix, (0500 EST), and the ship headed for that.

Arriving at 1300 EST, there was no sign of the buoy on radar and

nothing was visible. The wind was up to about 25 kts, and the

seas 6 to 8 feet. The visibility had improved from the 100 meter

range in the fog in the morning, and by 1330 EST it was up to 2

nm and the sun was out. At 1305 the ship started a square

spiral-out search pattern starting at the last fix, then, after

once around, switched to a back and forth pattern working our way

north since that was the way the wind was blowing. At 1500 EST,

Toni Chute spotted the buoy. It was about 3.2 nm at a bearing of

18 degrees true from the 0500 fix.

The crew then broke out the deck in preparation for recovery

under the direction of Bos'n Jeff Stolp and the recovery started

about 1350 EST. Because the weather was rough, extra care was

made to set up all the lines, air tuggers, capstan, etc. before

recovery started to speed up the operation as much as possible

for safety. There was some difficulty picking up the buoy since

the wind and currents were not favorable, but finally it was

hooked, quickly brought aboard and secured. The VMCM was

recovered over the rail next and taken out of the mooring line.

The mooring tackle was then transferred to a line over the stern

and pulled in on the capstan. The recovery went smoothly and an

excellent job was done by the ships crew assisted by some of the

scientific party.

The mooring hardware was all there, and appeared to be in good

shape. One shackle in the 1/2" shot of chain below the current

meter had the cotter pin almost out (it had never been bent

over). The entire mooring was recovered down to the sling link

at the anchor. Therefore, the mooring failed at the shackle to

the anchor!. The current meter was relatively clean, and the

fans were spinning freely. The guard light had some condensation

on the inside of the lens, and as it got dark, it did not flash.

The ARGOS transmitter was monitored by a Telonics Uplink receiver

and we did not receive signals (as was the spare Limeburner

drifter on the after deck). However, since the fixes were

obtained by ARGOS, it is assumed that they was just a conflict of

transmit times, but the unit should be checked. Everything was

lashed down for transit to WHOI and at 1715 EST the OCEANUS

headed for home.

APPENDIX A OC298 Personel List

Officer and Crew List

NAME RATING

1. Lawrence T. Bearse Master

2. Courtenay Barber III Chief Mate

3. Anthony D. Mello 2nd Mate

4. Jeffrey M. Stolp Boatswain

5. David Philbrick OS

6. Horace M. Medeiros AB

7. Christopher Griner AB

8. Richard W. Smith Jr. Engineer

9. Alberto Collasius Jr. Jr. Engineer

10. Richard Morris Chief Engineer

11. Hugh B. Dakers Steward

12. Jovinol J. Fernandes, Jr. M/A

SCIENCE PARTY

13. Erich F. Horgan (Chief Scientist) WHOI, Woods Hole,MA

14. Maureen Taylor (Co-Chief Scientist) NMFS, Woods Hole,MA

15. John Sibunka NMFS, Sandy Hook, NJ

16. Alyse Weiner NMFS, Sandy Hook, NJ

17. Antonie Chute NMFS, Narragansett, RI

18. David Mountain NMFS, Woods Hole, MA

19. James Gibson URI, Narragansett, RI

20. Maria Pilar Heredia URI, Narragansett, RI

21. Alyce Jacquet URI, Narragansett, RI

22. James Pierson URI, Narragansett, RI

23. Peter Clarke Mass. Maritime Academy

24. David Townsend U of Maine, Orono

25. Jiandong Xu U of Maine, Orono

26. Jennifer Crain OSU, Corvallis, OR

27. Pamela Arnofsky WHOI, Woods Hole, MA

28. James Irish WHOI, Woods Hole, MA

29. Patrick O'Malley WHOI, Woods Hole, MA

30. Heather Brown Volunteer

31. Laura G. Stein SSSG Technician

APPENDIX B OC298 EVENT LOG

APPENDIX C Hydrographic Data