O’Duggan Returns from Alaska Research with GSS-partner, AK-BioMap

In July, SMUMN GSS, Technician Fionn O’Duggan flew to Kodiak, Alaska and took part in a 25-day research cruise with GSS partner Alaska Biomap Scientific Services and a small team of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists on board the Lady Sea. The goal of the cruise was to gather data to validate and enhance an Individual Based Model (IBM) for pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska. Juvenile gadids (any fish in the cod family) were collected using beach seine nets at sample sites with desirable habitat for young gadids (protected bays abundant with sugar kelp and eelgrass). Water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) content, and substrate composition were recorded at each site. Baited underwater cameras were used as well to capture images of juvenile gadids to aid in estimation of relative abundance and health.  Sample sites ranged from Sand Point on the Shumagin Islands to Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. After collection, the juvenile cod were brought on board to be identified, counted, measured, and fin clipped for later genetic analysis. This research stemmed from dramatic declines of Pacific cod abundance in the Gulf of Alaska since 2013 due to a period of anomalously warm water. The overarching goal of the study is to better predict Pacific cod population health, distribution, and abundance so the fishing industry might better adapt to future oceanic changes.

O’Duggan was joined on the trip by other interns, including Ella Kelly from the NOAA. A link to her NOAA blog is included below.

When he wasn’t beach seining or working in the boat’s lab, Fionn fished off the deck, cold plunged, enjoyed the wildlife, and beach combed for salmonberries and rocks.

NOAA Intern, Ella Kelly’s blog can be found here: LINK