Shipboard

Shipboard Marine Science
supported by The Environmental Protection Agency The New York State Marine Education Association South Shore Estuary Reserve Office Oceanside Teacher’s Center Dowling College Lou Siegel Ed Wilensky
Click on images to enlarge
Fifteen educators met for seven, two and one half hour sessions at Oceanside High School. At each session a discussion of a particular parameter was followed up by a laboratory period during which participants familiarized themselves with the appropriate equipment

Participants practice Millipore method of bacterial sampling

Getting the feel for accurate wind measurements in the lab	Practicing titration of oxygen for this important parameter.


Dissecting and compound microscopes were used to examine plankton samples in several biological keys.

	Our first field trip was to the Town of Hempstead, Marine Study Area in Oceanside. Participants discussed planning and development options at this "natural" area nestled between a former landfill, housing, an organized recreational park facility and a golf course. We examined the plant populations and zonation of the marsh and upland populations which are largely delineated by the exposure to salt water due to changing elevations.

	Each of the abiotic factors studied in lab was then measured in the field. Here Ed Wilensky is demonstrating the use of a hydrometer to measure salinity and density.


A throw net was used to sample the ichthyological (fish) community.

The spotting scope did not have to be used to see the osprey swooping overhead

Some residents guarded their nest while others looked for their next meal.

	Our first shipboard experience was on the historic oyster fishing sloop, Christeen, at the Oyster Bay Waterfront Center. Here we reviewed the basics of this traditional way of boating, sampled the biological specimens with a dredge and plankton net and measured the abiotic parameters. It was a great day out on the water on this excellent platform for environmental education!


Participants learned how to raise the sails and steer the vessel into safe waters


	A wide variety of organisms were caught in the bottom dredge including several horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, mussels, clams, and seastars. Several specimens were held in a fish tank for closer examination by the participants. The life histories and classification of each were reviewed. Lou Siegel demonstrated how to milk eggs and sperm from the horseshoe crabs.

The close up exploration of the marshes of the South Shore Estuary Reserve by kayak included a paddle up a sinuous channel. We were also able to observe historic ditching done to drain the uplands of mosquito breeding ponds. Abiotic and biotic readings were again taken. The closed Oceanside sanitary landfill is in the background.





Use of underutilized recreational fishing boats by schools and organized groups to explore the estuarine environment is a win for everyone. The final trip of the class was on the fishing boat, Princess Marie out of Point Lookout. Stations are selected to demonstrate the variety of environments within the bay.

	Here we get a good look at the commercial fishing fleet at Point Lookout.
As we travel from one site to another there is the opportunity to discuss issues related to landfills and electricity generation plants. A close examination of the picture below will reveal a mist over the water which is flowing from the outfall of the electric plant at left. The cooling water is returned to the bay at an elevated temperature. The Hempstead Bays also host some of the last remaining bay houses which are on long term lease from the town.


At each station we measure the abiotic parameters at the surface and bottom, then the biological parameters are sampled using the plankton and bottom dredge nets. Below we can see the difference between the bottom sample at the station near to Jones Inlet where there is a high level of water exchange and that at the back bay station where water flow is restricted in the artificially deep, dredged channel.
	The dredge is towed behind the boat for several minutes at the selected site. Here the net is retrieved from the stern of the boat.


Diverse bottom dredge sample from Jones Inlet.	Black, anaerobic, mayonnaise like mud at back bay station.


Participants sort through the dredge sample.


After all of the data is collected it is time to sample the ichthyological community by offering them some food, on a hook at the end of a long stick. Everyone loves fishing!







The date, location, size and type of fish caught is recorded. A few scales are collected and placed into an envelope with the information. During a later lab session the scales are examined and drawn by the students.

	One special session was held for boat captains at the Freeport Maritime Center. Here we see a representative of Nassau BOCES discussing the various types of trips which they offer and reviewing the boat requirements for a successful contract.



The class on the historic Christeen oyster sloop at the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay

Back to www.NYSMEA.org	For further information about the program contact: Lou Siegel