July 13: BOAT CAMP on the Erica Lee

So we were supposed to go to the Isles of Shoals today and haul lobster traps. Well, that was the plan till I heard about some humpback whales 14 miles off the beach. The wind and seas were just right, and I had clams on board. So I turned east and headed out to sea. We came across a very curious Mola mola (ocean sunfish), humpback and Fin back whales and we caught a few cod, cusk and spiny dogfish. Not a bad way to start the week!

June 30: Field Marine Science Course for Teachers!

Ok, so, there's still no sun, but there was no rain, either! Went out to the Isles of Shoals today. Once on the island, we discussed island formation, soil production, rafting of reptiles and plants that inhabit the island. We also discussed a rookery and classification and biology of two species of gulls on the island. During the hike to the other end of Smuttynose, we encountered a pair of goats that followed us out and back, our own embassadors! Back at the beach, we looked at the sand/shell mixture that covers the beach and the structure of different macro algae of the cove we were in. Tomorrow, lobster traps and otter trawls!

June 29: Field Marine Science Course for Teachers!

Had our first class today for teachers for professional development. Always changing with the weather, our plans WERE to go out to the Isles of Shoals today. But after a quick call to the captain of the Captain's Lady III, we realized a shore based lesson plan was in order for the day. Drove down to Sandy Point and had Gary guide us through the dunes, marine forest and estuaries for three hours. Nice. Got to see what the print of a fisher cat looks like. We had lunch back at the boathouse and discussed the geology of the area, energy pyramids and plankton productivity before ending class for the day. No, I didn't take any pictures. Tomorrow! I promise!

June 27: Charter

Had Adam Derosa and his charter on the boat today. First of all, lets talk fog. Seriously, is there anything more fun that NOT seeing anything all day? Once on the fishing grounds, we got into some fish IF you had a jig on. If you bait fished, well, lets just say the green eyed monsters were thick (aka dog fish). Here's a picture of the pool fish caught by Adam's wife Amy. Just got a call from him tonight and he's booked a bunch of charters for 2010. Lets hope they are on days I don't have to use the RADAR. See you out there!

June 25: Jimmy Buffett!!!

So after hauling nets and being on the boat all day, Kate and I packed up the black bug and headed to Mansfield to see Jimmy. Great show! Still can fill a house after so many years! He got rid of those clouds hanging over our heads for the past four days and brought some tropical weather to our neck of the woods.

Oh yeah, my cell phone does not do Jimmy any justice. While taking this picture I had to keep ducking from the falling beach balls!

June 25: BOAT CAMP

What IS that bright thingy in the sky??? Needed my sunglasses today. Discussed horseshoe crab ecology and their importance to some birds called red knots. Apparently, these birds migrate from Argentina to the Arctic in one season. Along the way, they stop off at JUST the right moment to feed on horseshoe crab eggs. Wow. Then, we headed out for some flounder fishing. But between the big, rolling waves and numerous aircraft overhead-- three helicopters and a jet-- the only thing biting were skates. We came into Plum Island Point to do some sandeeling. Got about 20 gallons of eels, mostly small but some were really big. Just really nice to be at the beach in the sun after so many days in the rain. I wonder what caused all this sunshine?

June 24: BOAT CAMP

Sooooooooooo, the weather might be bad and the whole fleet is tied to the dock-- except us. In the morning, we discussed the formation of Jeffrey's ledge and upwelling using Google Earth, then discussed striped bass and their population decline and comeback. We jumped on the boat at 10:30 in the morning and anchored up SHORTLY after that for a little bass fishing on the incoming tide. Yikes! Fish were hungry! For 7 anglers, we caught and released 35 schoolies, a keeper flounder (Yes, in the river), and put one 14 pound keeper bass in the cooler for diner. Before we cleaned it, we discussed the external and internal anatomy of the fish and used its scales and digital microscopes to figure out how old it was. To end the day, we handled and discussed the animals in the touch tank. Nice day. Need some sun soon.