Whales 2 Day 3

Today we went sailing! On Ardelle, a pinky schooner, we learned the theories of sailing, tested water quality, and swam in the salt marshes identifying aquatic organisms. We learned about water quality at depth and tested the pH levels, salinity, nitrate levels, dissolved oxygen, and temperature.  Today was an especially great day because we saw jumping fish (pogies), harbor seals, and a friendly sea gull.

 Marcus looking at a bunch of harbor seals poking their heads out of the water.

 Javi and Zoe learning how to set the jib

 Hauling away on the throat and peak halyards to set the fors’l (fore sail)

 Javi testing pH at the salt marsh

A huge, bright green copepod that we caught in our plankton tow!

 Izzy and Marcus holding a sea star and lobster.

Zoe measuring salinity with a refractometer, and Akasa testing for pH.

Angie and Zoe holding scallops.

Zoe and Akasa steering the helm.

Swimming in the salt marsh.