2 July 2018 Question and Answer Time!

Before I left, my students wrote questions for me to answer on my trip. Here are some of the answers

From Brian:
Q: What is the “Puffy stuff” inside the Jellyfish?
A: The “puffy stuff” are in fact oral arms that bring the food to the mouth of the jellyfish, which is located under the bell. (I will insert a diagram once I am on good internet connections!)

From Brianna:
Q: How many different types of jellyfish are there?
A: There are more than 2000 known species with many more unknown. We have seen over 10 different species on our trip.

From Krishna:
Q: What is the average life span of a jellyfish?
A: For the Chrysaora Melanaster, our study specimen, it is unknown but most likely around 1 year.

From Destiny:
Q: Why do jellyfish sting?
A: They sting to catch their prey for food.

From Evan:
Q: How fast do they move?
A: They generally use the ocean currents to move. Most Jellies use a form of jet propulsion to move through sea water. They can move up to 5 mph.

From Ria:
Q: What habitat characteristics do sea nettles enjoy?
A: They like the epiplegic or surface waters up to approximately 100 meters deep. They are found on ocean shelves and basins.

From Kenny:
Q: What is the average size of a jelly in the Arctic?
A: The Chrysaora Melanaster can grow up to 3 meters in length and we have seen them over the side of the ship. The ones in our study have ranged from 5mm to 250mm in diameter, or bell length, depending on the type of jelly.

From Catlin:
Q: What eats the Chrysaora Melansaster and what defenses does it have?
A: Its predators include fish and birds. Its tentacles can produce a nasty sting.

From Tessa:
Q: Are there good sleeping conditions?
A: Yes the bunks are very comfortable and the boat rocks you to sleep. The light can be a problem as it doesn’t get dark until very late but my bunk has good thick curtains to block the light. One thing that does disturb me occasionally is the sound of the winch that raises and lowers the equipment into the ocean. It is next to my room.

From Christina:
Q: Is the food good?
A: The food on board this ship is amazing and there is always lots of choice and plenty available. They do a really good job of feeding us.

From Daniel:
Q: Will you go to McDonalds on your trip?
A: The only McDonalds I will be close to is at the Anchorage airport, so it is a possibility!

Crew Profile of the Day:

Name: Eric Piper

Position: Master

From: California

How did you end up on the R/V Sikuliaq?: Attended the Martime academy CMA in Vallejo, CA. He worked on oil tankers for a while before returning to CMa to teach. Eric came to Sikuliaq as chief mate for 2 years and has been master for 1 year.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?: The best part of my job is meeting new and interesting people. I also get to work for around 6 months of the year and have the rest of the time off. The worst part of the job is the internet connection.

Thank you Eric for a great cruise.