This is a new initiative (by name) in 2021 that combines some prior research activities measuring salinity, temperature, and current flows in the harbor (physical oceanography) with some new research activities– plankton tows to identify phytoplankton and zooplankton species in our waters (biological oceanography). This project is supervised by CSCR Board Member and professional mariner, the inimitable Francis Collins; founder Jack Buckley is the lead instructor.
Our oceanography team spends the summer collecting data on our CSCR research boat. The research includes bacteria and water quality monitoring, plankton tows, microscopy work with zooplankton, and more. Students are introduced to a variety of sampling techniques, expanding their knowledge of both field and lab research. Each of the four disciplines of oceanography (biological, physical, chemical, and geological) are touched upon, in order to increase students’ understanding of the different elements of oceanography research.
Download our Carry In, Carry Out Pledge. Pledge to take responsibility for all the solid waste (a soda, a gatorade, a coffee, a dog waste bag, a picnic lunch, etc) that you bring to public spaces. Ignore a nearby trash can; carry away that which you carry in to public spaces, public buildings. Don’t worry about what others think or whether they choose to do the same. Guaranteed; if you do it, some folks will choose to follow you.
There are several goals the oceanography team aims to accomplish. The first being student education on marine ecosystems and how they are impacted by different biotic and abiotic components. Second, is to learn how to better analyze the data collected and draw conclusions from observations. Third is to create a visual representation of all of the work accomplished during the summer. This visual display can be used to inform and educate the community about our coastal waters. Stream to Sanctuary and State of the Harbor are two opportunities during the school year where students are able to present their hard work to those that are curious and want to learn more.
Take a look at the work our 2024 Oceanography Team completed:
