Programs Blog

Author: Skye Moret, Chief Scientist

Ship’s Log

17 July 2024

Noon Position (Lat and Long): 17deg 46.3’S x 177deg 22.9’E

Ship Heading (degrees): n/a

Ship Speed (knots): 0

Log (nm): 2547

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change): Clear skies, cool breeze

Description of location: Alongside in Port Denarau, Fiji

The sun just rose over the mountains of Fiji as the students of S316 have their final breakfast on the deck of the ship that has safely transported us more than 2500 nautical miles west across the South Pacific. The last few days of our sail from Tonga have been a whirlwind of final marine policy and oceanography presentations, and it has been exciting to watch the students become both competent sailors and scientists over four short weeks.

For our ‘Ocean and Global Change’ course underway, students worked in pairs to investigate and discover insights about ocean parameters both at surface and at depth. Nena and Nathaniel explored temperature, salinity, and currents. Hunter and Caitlin looked at dissolved oxygen and nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate which can be limiting factors for marine life. Kai and Sawyer investigated pH and alkalinity along the surface ocean and with depth down to 800m. Based on all of those ocean variables, Papang and Natalia took a close look at the phytoplankton we collected and sensor data onboard that measures primary production along our cruisetrack. Moving up the food web, Casey and Zeke explored the density and biodiversity of zooplankton along our cruisetrack, while Piper wrote a creative essay that translates what lives on the oceans in a more approachable way. Finally, Michela and Daryl researched the seabirds observed hourly along our cruisetrack and looked at how their concentrations varied along our voyage.

Students also completed oceanographic equipment diagrams and a ‘creature feature’ assignment based on animals observed on our expedition, and through reviewing their work I realized that every student onboard is an incredible artist! From exquisite illustrations of tuna, krill, and bright purple janthina snails, to paintings of Bryde’s and Minke whales, the student crew embraced the ‘A’ (Art) in our STEAM programming in the most illuminating possible way.

Yesterday, we meandered between islands with whales swimming alongside on our way to the dock. After a thorough final ‘field day,’ or intense cleaning of the entire ship, our final night of S316 culminated with all professional and student crew gathered on a decorated quarter deck for a gathering we call ‘Swizzle.’ Emceed by Nathaniel and Nena, students sang, did skits, comedy acts, rapped, and wowed the ship’s company with their talent.

Now, as we say our bittersweet goodbyes, the phrase ‘friendships are the best ships’—though corny, of course—rings true. Our time together sailing from Tahiti to Fiji, from gales and breaching whales to double rainbows and dawn watch laughter, will always be remembered.

Here’s to our sailing adventure in the South Pacific,
Skye