Programs Blog

Olivia Najjar, A Watch, Lafayette College

Ship’s Log

Noon Position
34°56.9’ N 132° 55.2’ W

Ship Heading
062°T

Ship Speed
8.6 kts

Weather / Wind
Cloudy

Sail Plan
Mains’l, Mainstays’l and Forestays’l

Latest Neuston Tow Plastic Count
750

Souls on Board

Today, on day 19 of being at sea, all seems well. The weather is pleasant (mind the chilly breeze) and spirits are high as we chow down on pickles, but few know of what lurks below. For the past few days, there have been intermittent sightings of some six-legged friends, identified as crabs.

Primarily pulled up in nets, these crabs have been a pleasant sighting for most. However, their intentions remain unknown to the masses. Those who have been paying attention during their boat checks may have noticed crabs scuttling in the scuppers, or perhaps taking refuge in the large marine debris we’ve collected thus far. Their on-deck appearance seems random, but I assure you dear blog reader, it is calculated. These crustaceans have seen boats come and go from many far off locations, and they’re well-trained scouts to say the least. During six-minute science observations, some may have noticed a crab swimming toward the Robert C. Seamans here and there.

Where are they coming from? What are they doing so far out in the ocean? Are they friends, or foe?

Whatever their agenda may be, the best way to cope with this crabby situation is to maintain a positive attitude and try not to make them more crabby than they already are. Today, that meant jumping off the bow sprit and swimming in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, sharing the waters with our crabby companions. Whether they see this as an olive branch or a calculated threat is yet to be known, but perhaps the crab sightings on-board will start to dwindle in the coming days.

With that, I wish my mom the happiest birthday back home. I hope your day was far from crabby 🙂

Olivia Najjar, A Watch, Lafayette College