Reflecting on the fourth leg of the Nansen voyage
- Two identical Mola mola captured during a demersal trawl
As this eight-week voyage off of Northwest Africa rapidly comes to an end, we reflect on work and life on board the Nansen.
The pelagic and demersal trawls we’ve been undertaking have provided us with the opportunity to identify multiple species. We are able to quickly identify most species. Those that are more rare become the focus of more intensive research, identifying them with our species identification guides.
Then we work together to discover the species name. For example, this happens sometimes with species that one would expect to find in the North Atlantic but not in the South. There are also certain species in our trawls that some of us have never seen before.
These moments that allow for explanation and collaboration between fisheries experts and biologists offer an exciting learning opportunity for all scientists aboard the Nansen – one we won’t soon forget.
- Here is Said’s new friend on this voyage
- He nursed this injured bird back to health for one entire night
The work rhythms quickly fell into place. This is the on board system of two teams that change roles every six hours. These six-hours on/six-hours off shifts soon become a force of habit, but it takes some getting used to at the start.
This great floating laboratory operating in the EEZ of several countries provides a wonderful opportunity for scientists and technicians to strengthen their knowledge of fisheries resources not only in their own country, but from neighboring countries. This provides us all with excellent professional development and greater knowledge.
It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from one another, and we’re all extremely pleased to take part on this last leg of the Northwest Africa Nansen journey.
- A large jellyfish containing sardina
- Taking time to repair the trawl nets following damage
- Examining species on board
- A catch that’s quite different from the others
- After the work is completed, a warm cup of tea and a chat with fellow scientists is a great way to relax
