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Day 5: 4.24.06

Gear Impact Study 

A. Uhrin investigating the contents a fish trap
Part of today's mission was to observe and document the species of fish caught in the artisanal Haitian fish traps. (photo: fish trap with A. Uhrin, by A.Poray) 
Dolphin investigating a fish trap
When scientist Amy Uhrin first hopped off the boat to  observe the trap by snorkeling on the sea surface, she discovered that Haitian fishermen are not the only ones utilizing the fish traps here at Navassa Island.  A dolphin was observed investigating the trap in about 75 ft of water!  This trap was resting on its side, perhaps out of curiosity or trying to get at the fish caught in the trap?  The Chief Scientist tossed her a camera and Flipper was caught in the act!  (photo: dolphin checking out trap, by A. Uhrin)
A. Uhrin and L. Salerno ascending after diving on a trap
Two scientists and a crew member later dove on another trap, this one located on sandy substrate near the edge of a colonized boulder field. (photo: A. Uhrin and L. Salerno ascending after a trap investigation dive, by A. Poray)
Caribbean Z trap
The traps, called Caribbean Z-traps, are made of meshed/woven bamboo with wood cross supports and corners.  Rocks are used as ballast and are tied at opposite corners of the traps with bamboo strips. (photo: Caribbean Z trap, by A. Poray)
Funnel entrance to fish trap
Caribbean Z traps have opposing funnel entrances (photo: funnel entrance to Z trap, by A. Poray).   In addition to finfish, lobsters are often caught in the traps.  Today, however, only three parrotfish were found swimming around inside.

Scientist Jean Wiener has been surprised that there is only one Haitian boat currently fishing the area.  In a number of interviews conducted by Jean on the mainland, most Haitian fishermen agree that the best fishing around Navassa Island is during the Easter season, between March, April, and May.  In conversations with the four fishermen presently at Navassa, Jean has discovered that the moon phase may also be driving fishing activities;  the currently waning moon is not the preferred lunar phase for the fishermen.  It remains to be seen whether lunar phase can be linked with fish behavior, distribution, and abundance here at Navassa.

Fish and habitat surveys

Scleractinian diversity
An example of coral diversity on the north side of Navassa ( photo by A. Poray)
Ctenophore
Large ctenophore spotted in the water column during a dive safety stop ( photo by A. Uhrin)
Dave Hilmer silhouetted during a dive ascent
Dave Hilmer ascending from dive ( photo by A. Uhrin)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crew members of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster

Greg Walker, Able Bodied Seaman

Greg Walker, ABS

Greg joined the Nancy Foster two months ago after retiring from the Navy.  His naval career included active duty in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Quarter master (Navigation), and Career Recruiting.  He also worked with the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (E.O.D.) in Mine Recovery, serving as support for fleet divers that trained sea lions to aid in the recovery and deployment of mines.  After retiring last year, Greg spent six months with his family before joining NOAA as an Unlimited Able Bodied Seaman.  Due to his considerable experience, he can work on any type of vessel, thus the title “Unlimited.” 

Some of Greg's daily duties include:

  • launch and recovery of small vessels (which requires operation of large cranes and other heavy machinery)
  • deck maintenance
  • bridge watch
  • small vessel operation  

Greg estimates that he will spend up to eight months out of the year at sea.  His final comment about on life on the Nancy Foster was, “I could do this for another 20 years.” (photo by J. VanderPluym)

Robert “Bob” Ellis, Junior Engineer

Bob Ellis

Bob came aboard the Nancy Foster upon the urging of his brother’s neighbor, Chief Marine Engineer Tim Olsen, and has been onboard for 1.5 years.  Bob has previously worked as a commercial crabber, equipment operator, mechanic, and now is an engineer.  He signed on as a general vessel assistant, but advanced to junior engineer due to his previous experience in diesel engine mechanics. 

Some of Bob's daily duties include:

  • continuous maintenance of the small vessels
  • main engine maintenance
  • engineering watch duty
  • deck machinery maintenance 

Bob also has helped the scientists catch fish, mainly barracuda, for the NOAA project focused on ciguatera-related toxins outlined in Day 2's log.  To date, his favorite port of call has been St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands due to its small town feel and relaxed atmosphere. (photo by J. VanderPluym)

Dave Leaphart, Able Bodied Seaman

Dave Leaphart

A native of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Dave was able to see the Nancy Foster in her home port of Charleston before he decided to leave his job working with the Local 25, a union of operating engineers, and join NOAA as an able bodied seaman (ABS) for tug operations.  He began his career in construction which then led to marine construction and dredging operations.  He has been aboard the Nancy Foster since January 2005. 

Some of Dave's daily duties include:

  • bridge watch (two per day)
  • small vessel operation
  • deck machinery operation
  • small vessel launch and retrieval 

After all of his experiences, he says he enjoys the atmosphere of the Nancy Foster the best.  When asked what made this ship so special, he replied, “I work with people that are passionate about the ocean and what they are doing.  I find that inspiring.” (photo by J.