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An Educational Outlook
An Educational Outlook
One of the benefits of the MCA project is the education and first-hand experience our students gain in the field. This year we are conducting a 5-day training expedition to the Funk Island marine refuge that provides participants a unique opportunity to conduct monitoring activities and non-invasive sampling onboard a larger platform, the MV Polar Prince.
Through the collaboration with Miawpukek Horizon, the MCA team had the opportunity to engage with the Junior Canadian Rangers, and share monitoring activities and observations while at-sea. We hope to have inspired the next generation of marine conservation ambassadors.
And They're Off
And They're Off
After a long day of mobilization and equipment repairs, our team left the St. John's harbour at 22:30 this evening and are headed for Funk Island Deep!
June 20th, 2024
Departure.MP4
The First Field Day
The First Field Day
After an overnight transit, the Polar Prince has arrived in Funk Island Deep at Station 11 at 11:00.
The students are learning how to use the different pieces of equipment, such as the Bongo Plankton Nets, the SubC Tow Camera, and the CTD Rosette! These are all monitoring tools used for data collection within the marine environment.
June 21st, 2024
Some Friendly Faces
Some Friendly Faces
The team was greeted by friendly faces while deploying the equipment.
There were harp seals feeding, fin whales spouting, and gannets and murrs watching the activities. It is safe to say the Funk Island Deep is home to numerous marine species, and combined with the beautiful weather, gave everyone a great field experience!
June 21st, 2024
Success!
Success!
The team concluded a very successful training and monitoring expedition and made it back to St. John's harbour on June 24th for demobilization.
The 10 students (graduate students and student interns) have reported the following trip highlights: numerous birding opportunities; monster madness; the diverse wildlife; learning how to use the equipment; beautiful weather; a basket star hitching a ride on the winch; and getting to know the other students, science crew, ships crew and Rangers.
We hope to conduct a similar training and monitoring experience next year to provide students additional interest and experience with marine at-sea field activities.
Our experienced RTPs will now switch gears and finalize preparations for our core monitoring program onboard the RV Patrick and William for the month of July.
June 24th, 2024
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