The Environmental Rower

In late July, I boarded the Corwith Cramer, a research sailing vessel owned by the Sea Education Association (S.E.A.). I was successful in my application to participate in the SEA Expedition, an offshore two week summer program for high school students interested in learning and experiencing oceanographic research and sailing.

This was one heck of a journey. I am so grateful for the people I met, advice that I’ve received, opportunities I had, and the challenges I went through during my trip on the Corwith Cramer. This has not only given me a basic understanding of what marine biology would look like in the field, but it has also provided me with an excellent way to develop leadership skills.

During my time on the Cramer, I steered the ship, set and striked many sails, and plotted our position every hour. For scientific data, I deployed neuston nets, shipeks and a water depth carousel. These were the instruments we used to gather data on surface organisms, the different textures of the ocean floor and creatures that live there, and the ph and chlorophyll levels at different depths of the ocean. I also helped to maintain boat cleanliness by completing chores, cleaning the galley, and scrubbing the deck.

I saw many whales, blue sharks, yellowfin tuna, shearwater and storm petrel birds, bioluminescence, and the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. I jumped off the boat from the top of the bow (20 feet above sea level), played countless card games, went tide pooling in Maine, and made a new best friend who lives across the country.

One of my favorite things I experienced was seeing the stars. I have never before seen the night sky as clear. I was able to clearly see the milky way, planets, and more than 30 shooting stars. The nighttime sky in my suburban neighborhood doesn’t compare to this.

This was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to others.