CMRC3 ICON/CREWS Field Log

CMRC3 Station Decommissioned

2007-10-17T19:51:00.000-04:00

The team on this trip consisted of Jules Craynock, Nancy Ash and Mike Jankulak.

On Tuesday, October 16th, 2007, we started the process of removing all equipment and electronics from the station. The four underwater instruments were removed first: Shallow BIC, Shallow CTD, Deep BIC, and Deep CTD.

Next, the top of the pylon was opened and the station shut down. The final transmission consisted of data reported at 1pm local time (17h UTC). The "brain" control package was removed, and so were the two battery packs, the surface BIC, the air temperature sensor, the GPS antenna, and one of the windbirds with its compass and mast.

Work continued and was completed this afternoon. The second windbird, mast and compass were removed, followed by the transmitter antenna and mast, and the four solar panels. The solar panel mast, which contains a wire that connects the lightning diffuser to the grounding plate, was left in place.

After equipment removal was completed, cables were arranged and tied in place; cables were also identified at both ends by colour-coded zip ties (blue for CTD, yellow for BIC, green for Groundtruth CT, red for SAMI PCO2, white for PAM; where more than one instrument had been present, "deep" instruments were identified with two cable ties at each end and "shallow" instruments with one).

Besides the seven cables and the grounding wires, the only equipment left in place was the lightning diffuser brush and the navigation light. The rest of the equipment will be packed tomorrow morning for its return to AOML.

Full Cleaning on 8/30

2007-09-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

On August 30, 2007, Madeline Weigner and Brenda Gadd performed a full cleaning of CMRC 3 including groundtruthing.

The CTD validation unit was installed at 12:45 PM.

Cleaning occured between 2:15PM and 3:30 PM, although care was taken to make sure the sensors were cleaned and screens were reinstalled before 2:45.

Debris and growth was removed from all lines, CTD's and light sensors were cleaned. All Zincs were checked.

Madeline reported no zincs needing to be replaced at this time, although there is still the degrading zinc on one of the chains that will need replacing in the near future.

The CTD validation unit was removed at 4:15.

Next scheduled basic cleaning is on or about September 16. Madeline left LSI on 8/31. I am scheduled to leave on 9/10. I will not be here for the next cleaning; please plan accordingly.

I am glad I could be of service to you folks by maintaining the stick this summer. It's too bad we didn't get a chance to meet in person. Perhaps that can be arranged sometime in the future.

-Adam

Basic Cleaning on 8/18

2007-08-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

On Saturday 8/18, Madeline Weigner performed a basic cleaning of the stick. Due to scheduling constraints, she incorporated the stick cleaning into the dive plan of a visiting scientist, Josh Voss, and he assisted her.
Screens were checked and found to be in ok condition. All macro growth was removed from lines. All zincs were checked and are ok with the exception of the support chain zinc that is deteriorating. It is still functional, so it was left as is.
Next Scheduled Cleaning on or around 9/2. It is a full cleaning/groundtruthing. Madeline Departs LSI on 8/31, and we're going to try to squeeze in the cleaning before she leaves. Her last minute duties may preclude that, however.
I am scheduled to leave LSI on 9/10. So, the next cleaning will be my last cleaning of the season as well. Please plan accordingly.
Ciao,
Adam

Full cleaning on 8/8/07

2007-08-08T21:36:00.000-04:00

On August 8, 2007, Adam Harrison and Madeline Weigner performed a full cleaning of CMRC3. The CT groundtruting censor was installed just before 11:45. In-situ cleaning was performed between 13:15 and 13:45.

All lines and chains were cleaned. All zincs were inspected and were found to be in sufficient condition to not warrant replacement. Shallow and Deep water light sensors were cleaned.

Both CTD's were cleaned; there was minor biofouling on the interior of the CTDS. The shallow CTD was missing one screen. Madeline determined that all of the remaining screens were significantly deteriorating and she replaced them all as well as replacing the missing screen.

There was heavy current and the CT groundtruthing unit was swept near the surface for the duration of the time we were in the water cleaning and was also near the surface when we retrieved the unit just after 15:15. I suspect that the unit was near the surface for the entirety of the groundtruthing process.

Ciao,
-AHarrison

CMRC basic cleaning 7/25

2007-07-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

On 7/25 Jon Fajans and Adam Harrison performed a basic cleaning of CMRC 3.

Macro growth was removed from all lines and chains. CTD screens were checked and are ok. All zincs were checked. The missing zinc on the shallow CTD was replaced. The loose zinc on one mooring chain has corroded itself back into place and is secure. It was decided that we would leave that zinc in place until it completely wares out.

Jon Fajans checked the immediate area for signs of coral bleaching and found none.

Next scheduled cleaning is on or about 8/4 and is a full cleaning/groundtruthing.

Many apologies for the delay in posting this.
-Adam

CMRC3 full cleaning/groundtruthing 7/7/07

2007-07-09T14:46:00.000-04:00

On the morning of 7/7/07 Madeline Weigner and Adam Harrison performed a full cleaning of CMRC3 including CT validation.

The CT validation unit was installed just after 6:30. Cleaning commenced at 8:15. The CT Validation unit was removed at 10:25.

All lines, cables, chains, anodes, and sensors were cleaned and are in good condition. The zincs are in similar condition to what was last reported 2 weeks ago. The zinc that was loose on the chain is no longer loose due to buildup of corrosion. It still is deteriorating and will need to be replaced in the near future.

I still have not received a replacement zinc for the shallow CTD.

There was very little biofouling inside either CTD.

There is some evidence of coral bleaching around the stick, however, most coral growth is looking very healthy.

Madeline noted on her recent dives at the NE Norman's site (adjacent to CMRC3) that there is evidence of recent coral bleaching. She's been diving that site almost daily and recognized increased bleaching this past week.

Next scheduled basic cleaning is on or about 7/20.

Ciao,
-Adam

CMRC3 basic cleaning on June 23, 2007

2007-06-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

On June 23, 2007, Adam Harrison and Madeline Weigner performed a basic cleaning of CMRC3.

Surface inspection and in-water inspection were performed. Brushing of support ropes and chains was also performed.

All items were in working order and accounted for except as noted here:

Part of one copper screen on the 1m CTD had come free of the body. It was pushed back into place.

We did not receive a replacement anode for the 1m CTD, so it is still missing an anode.

The remaining anodes on the CTD's are showing wear and are about halfway depleted.

One large anode on one support chain is severely deteriorating and is loose. it is still connected to the chain, but it will need to be replaced soon.

Fire coral is growing on some of the cables, beginning at 3m and extending to above the 1m CTD. I do not know if this is a problem or not, but I thought you ought to be made aware of it. If it is a problem, let us know and we will eradicate it when we perform a groundtruthing/full cleaning in 2 weeks.

Ciao,
AHarrison

CMRC3

2007-06-09T14:06:00.000-04:00

On Jun 8th the station was cleaned and ground truthed by FIO staff Jon Fajans and Andrew Crowder. LSI interns Adam Harrison and Madeline Weigner were trained on the operations and will continue with biweekly checks/cleanings through August. The moorings, zincs, chains and cables all appeared to be in good working order without evidence of extreme wear. The shallow CT is in need of a small zinc for the casing hose clamp. The FIO staff left 4 spare screens and some dielectric grease.

Next scheduled visit for basic cleaning on or about June 22nd.

Please send a couple of CT clamp zincs.
mweigner@email.smith.edu
ajharrison@mail.txwes.edu

Peace out....
jfajans

Maintenance Update

2007-05-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

May 2-3, Jules Craynock, Jon Fajans, Andrew Crowder and I cleaned the station and conducted a ground-truth. There had been no maintenance on the station since October, but the fouling on the structure wasn't as bad as anticipated. After two visits, the station was pretty well cleaned.

Jim Hendee

Stick Operational Again

2006-10-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

All systems are working perfectly, and we're about to head back home.

 Jim

Brain unplugged

2006-10-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

We (Mike Jankulak, Lew Gramer, Nancy Ash) just unplugged the brain from the stick and will try to reinstall this afternoon.

We also scrubbed down all the chains, lines and instruments.  The station looks pretty good.  Water extremely clear, weather good, a very nice day to be in the field.

Jim

CMRC3 offline

2006-10-11T16:54:00.000-04:00

Transmissions from CMRC3 ended abruptly last Sunday evening at 10pm EDT (Monday at 200 hours UTC). This was approximately four and a half days after our last visit (Wednesday morning) during the recent maintenance trip.

The most likely suspect is a failure of the transmitter or its cables and antennae. CMRC3 transmissions, including datalogger and transmitter diagnostics, were entirely normal up until the time of failure. The final transmission had 53 of 75 reported fields present and the rest was ascii garbage, but instrument counts and diagnostics indicate that the station was operating normally during that last hour before transmitting.

Therefore there's reason to hope that the station continues to operate silently and is recording its data to the station's memory module. The Shallow-CTD was of course offline but it, too, records its data to flash memory and we expect to retrieve those data in the next trip.

The next maintenance trip will involve troubleshooting the transmitter problem and running a new cable for the Shallow CTD.

-- Mike Jankulak

Maintenance Update

2006-10-04T18:08:00.000-04:00

Mike Jankulak:

Tuesday, October 3: boat-support for dive work; attempted to contact brain via radio units but couldn't; climbed stick, installed rungs and removed brain to take it back to land; downloaded memory module contents; replaced and rewired brain's radio unit; wrote a new CMRC3 program to include bic re-address logic and tested it thoroughly; pulled a new cable for shallow BIC and rewired its plug at top; swapped out surface bic; reinstalled brain (but GPS cable is knocked loose); confirmed that station was NOT transmitting

Wednesday: fixed GPS cable in brain; attempted to fix broken shallow-ctd plug but doesn't work; tidied/sealed station and removed rungs (twice!).

Jim Hendee:

The station lines and chains were cleaned, the shallow CTD swapped out, and all three BICs swapped out.  Station should undergo some reorganization of the cables and more intensive cleaning.

Cleaning

2006-08-04T08:27:00.000-04:00

Team of Jules Craynock and Jim Hendee cleaned the station lines and equipment of biofouling. No extensive bleaching, but some isolated spots on Siderastrea and a species of brain coral (pictures were taken). At nearby North Norman's Patch Reef, there was some bleaching on isolated sections of a not-so-healthy thicket of Acroporis cervicornis (many dead areas from apparently last year).

Jim

Cleaning

2006-06-30T08:34:00.000-04:00

Jules Craynock and Nancy Ash cleaned station June 29th. Jules reports some moderate bleaching of brain corals.

Jim

May maintenance

2006-05-31T18:54:00.000-04:00

Monthly cleaning was done with the ground-truthing CT and was checked for any wear and tear, which was in really good conditions. The only exception was for the surface rust on the upper links of the chain where it meets the stainless steel shackles. In all upper links of the chain, zincs were installed. As well most of all the shackles were moused with wire, which replaced the older zip ties that were in.

Besides the maintenance, the deep water CTD sensor was exchange with a "new" CTD sensor with an improved capillary tube for the pressure sensor. The replacement was done between 0830-0930. The replaced CTD sensor was brought back to the lab.

Hector Casanova

2006-04-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

Cleaned 8 legs/chains-spectra-lashings, only soft growth found.

Station in very good condition - lack of accumulated biofouling.

Ongoing cleaning efforts working well.

Many plastic ties brittle, breaking , and need replacement.

Groundtruthing schedule:

0845.............Connected groundtruth CT
0900 - 1000...Transmitting period
1015 - 1045...Cleaned sensors
1000 - 1200...Transmitting period
1215.............Disconnect CT
1300.............Normal transmit begins

Notes:

Need some sort of zinc(?) protection for all 8 upper links of galv. chain touching SS shackles- accelerated deterioration noted.

Two temporary white warning floats attached to legs 2 & 6. Original yellow floats probably stolen. Bahamian smallboats cutting close to pylon at high speed, even when work crew present with dive flag.

J.Craynock / H. Casanova

Basic Cleaning

2006-04-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3

DATE: 04/16/06 Start time: 1530 End time: 1700

Type of cleaning:
X BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation

BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains,
mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
n/a PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
n/a SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
n/a Other, please specify

Comments:

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps:
􀂉 Perform CTD validation
􀂉 Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
􀂉 Inspect shackles
􀂉 Base plate and grounding plate inspection
􀂉 Clean spectra lines at base plate
􀂉 Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
n/a Clean all optional sensors
n/a PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
n/a SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Signed: Brenda Gadd
Date: 04/19/06

partial full service

2006-04-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3

DATE: 4/3/06 Start time: 09:50 End time: 13:40

Type of cleaning:
X BASIC
COMPLETE
X CTD Validation

BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains,
mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
n/a PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
n/a SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: Chain marker buoys all missing. No line remnants on chains.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps:
X Perform CTD validation
􀂉 Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
X Inspect shackles
X Base plate and grounding plate inspection
􀂉 Clean spectra lines at base plate
X Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
n/a Clean all optional sensors
n/a PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
n/a SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: E. Mueller showed Brenda Gadd cleaning, CTD validation and blogging procedures.

Signed: Erich Mueller
Date: 4/3/06

partial full service

2006-03-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3

DATE: 3/5/06 Start time: 10:43 End time: 14:40

Type of cleaning:
X BASIC
COMPLETE
X CTD Validation

BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains,
mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
n/a PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
n/a SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: Cleaned PAR sensors 3/4/06 at 14:00. All other tasks on 3/5/06.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps:
X Perform CTD validation
􀂉 Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
X Inspect shackles
􀂉 Base plate and grounding plate inspection
􀂉 Clean spectra lines at base plate
X Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
n/a Clean all optional sensors
n/a PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
n/a SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: Found cable tie siezing on one shacle missing - replaced. Removed loose cable ties securing cables and added new ones. Mooring line was seen to be frayed and untwisted at base. Use with caution.

Signed: Erich Mueller
Date: 3/5/06

basic service

2006-02-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3

DATE: 2/8/06 Start time: 10:45 End time: 11:15

Type of cleaning:
X BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation

BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains,
mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
n/a PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
n/a SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: Re-secured rubber pad over Kevlar cable sheath with
new cable tie. Sheath was abraded through in one spot.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps:
􀂉 Perform CTD validation
􀂉 Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
􀂉 Inspect shackles
􀂉 Base plate and grounding plate inspection
􀂉 Clean spectra lines at base plate
􀂉 Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
n/a Clean all optional sensors
n/a PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
n/a SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
n/a Other, please specify

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Signed: Erich Mueller
Date: 2/9/06

Sat. Transmission Antenna moved

2006-02-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

The satalite transmission antenna was lowered aprox. 9.5 inches @ 10:40 am 8 Feb. 2006 - to improve visibility of the navigation light at nght.

Sat. bracket secured with additional hardware.

2 bands of silver reflective tape were added at 6 and 7 feet above waterline.

Eastern windbird mast secured with additional hardware.

AOML Diver Maintenance Check

2006-01-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

CMRC/LSI Operations Monday, Jan.23, 2006

J. Craynock and H. Casanova to Georgetown, 2 red boxes, 2 gear duffels.
Bahamian Customs clearance quick, shuttle ready at airport
New CMRC boat (Parker) covered – good for transfer- E. Mueller

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006

Onstation at 0930. Slight current. Chop and swell present.
Tied off to mooring buoy.
Examined PAM fluorometer, took u/w pic’s prior to disassembly.
Moved boat to pylon, surfaced pressure case, detached main cable & plugged.
Coiled plugged cable to lower pylon and bundled.
Began cleaning of spectra legs and lower pylon.
Dive 1 20ft./40min. Dive 2 21ft./ 65 min.

Noticeable growth on all lashings, lashings not cleaned for last 6 (?) months
Noted chaffing points on pylon, repaired with rubber patch and tied.
Removed brackets from pylon.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006

Onstation at 0915. Attached CT for groundtruthing.
Cleaned remaining legs and chains.
Installed new screens on CT, new zincs.
Dive 1 21ft./38min.

Departed station at 1130.

Returned to station at 1300.
1320 – removed CT, plugged and coiled cable.
1330 – departed station.

Returned to station at 1930, night, Brenda Gadd aboard.
Ran approaches to station to investigate light shadowing.
Definite shadow areas for light from southern approach.
Recommendations for improvement noted.

Returned to CMRC Dock 2010.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Logged by Jules Craynock

CMRC3 CREWS Field Log

2005-12-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3 (i.e. CMRC3, SRVI1)
DATE: 12/29/05 Start time: 13:45_____ End time: 14:15______
Type of cleaning: X BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation
BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains, mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
X Optional sensor cleaning
X PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
o SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: PAM acrylic lenses wiped clean – unable to remove from casing because on snorkel not SCUBA.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps
􀂉 Perform CTD validation
􀂉 Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
􀂉 Inspect shackles
􀂉 Base plate and grounding plate inspection
􀂉 Clean spectra lines at base plate
􀂉 Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
􀂉 Clean all optional sensors
o PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
o SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Signed: Laura Robinson_________________
Date: 12/29/05_____

CMRC3 CREWS Field Log

2005-12-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3 (i.e. CMRC3, SRVI1)
DATE: 12/14/05 Start time: 13:30pm End time: 15:00pm

Type of cleaning: x BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation

BASIC Cleaning
x Surface inspection
x Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains, mounting pins
x Optical sensor cleaning
x CTD screen cleaning
x Optional sensor cleaning
x PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
o SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: pCO2 cage has not been replaced yet.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps
Perform CTD validation
Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
Inspect shackles
Base plate and grounding plate inspection
Clean spectra lines at base plate
Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
Clean all optional sensors
o PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
o SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Signed: Laura Robinson
Date: 12/19/05

Instruments removed February 2005

2005-12-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

Old note here of an instrument removed FEBRURARY 2, 2005:

Biospherical Irradiometers:
BIC Model 2104R Surface Irradiometer
Serial 1020

CMRC3 CREWS Field Log

2005-12-12T11:47:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3 (i.e. CMRC3, SRVI1)
DATE: 12/09/05 Start time: 08:45am End time: 09:15am

Type of cleaning: x BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation
BASIC Cleaning:
x Surface inspection
x Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains, mounting pins
x Optical sensor cleaning
x CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
o PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
o SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: Diving is still not possible and so cleaning was conducted by snorkeling. PAM heads could not be cleaned entirely, but the acrylic lenses were wiped clean in-situ. pCO2 cage has not been replaced yet.

COMPLETE Cleaning:
(Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps )
Perform CTD validation
Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
Inspect shackles
Base plate and grounding plate inspection
Clean spectra lines at base plate
Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
Clean all optional sensors
o PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
o SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Signed: Laura Robinson
Date: 12/12/05

CMRC3 CREWS Field Log

2005-12-06T10:08:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST

Station ID: CMRC3
DATE: 11/25/05 Start time: 9am End time: 10am

Type of cleaning: x BASIC
COMPLETE
CTD Validation
BASIC Cleaning
x Surface inspection
x Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains, mounting pins
x Optical sensor cleaning
x CTD screen cleaning
Optional sensor cleaning
PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: As diving is not possible at the moment, cleaning was conducted on snorkel. Because of this we were unable to clean the PAM fluorometer monitoring heads in the usual manner. Instead the acrylic lenses were wiped clean in-situ, rather than removing the entire casing. The SAMI pCO2 is yet to be replaced after removal.

COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps

Perform CTD validation
Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
Inspect shackles
Base plate and grounding plate inspection
Clean spectra lines at base plate
Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
Clean all optional sensors
PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Signed: Laura Robinson
Date: 11/25/05

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-11-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

CREWS STATION CLEANING CHECKLIST
Station ID: CMRC3 (i.e. CMRC3, SRVI1)
DATE: 11/04/05 Start time: 10:04am End time: 13:50
Type of cleaning: BASIC
X COMPLETE
X CTD Validation
BASIC Cleaning
X Surface inspection
X Underwater inspection – station support lines, chains, mounting pins
X Optical sensor cleaning
X CTD screen cleaning
X Optional sensor cleaning
X PAM fluorometer monitoring heads
o SAMI pCO2 cage or inlet
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
COMPLETE Cleaning
Finish basic cleaning plus these additional steps
X Perform CTD validation
X Clean all growth from spectra lines and chains
X Inspect shackles
X Base plate and grounding plate inspection
X Clean spectra lines at base plate
X Clean body of CTD(s) and light sensor(s)
X Clean all optional sensors
X PAM fluorometer distributor box, mounting stands, and cables
o SAMI pCO2 stainless mounting hardware and body
o Other, please specify_________________________________

Comments: All PAM heads including number 3 looked normal.
CTD in at 10:04am and retrieved at 13:50.
Missing 2 copper screens, and 1 damaged – need to order replacements for the island.

Signed: Kevin Buch; Laura Robinson
Date: 11/04/05

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-10-12T15:22:00.000-04:00

DATE: 10/11/05
TIME: 1700
STAFF: K. Buch, W. Goossens
BOAT: Lucaya (1/2 day use; 0.5 engine hrs)
NOTES: removal of SAMI pCO2 instrument. PAM-monitored Agaricia colony 90% bleached; difficult to tell amount of live tissue (will closely inspect on 10/14/05). PAM-monitored Siderastrea head showing paling over most of colony. Also noticed that PAM heads are showing some fouling-will revisit on 10/14/05 for cleaning/inspection.
Kevin

SAMI pCO2 system removed for service

2005-10-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

The SAMI pCO2 instrument, deployed on May 21, 2005, was removed for scheduled maintenance and calibration on Oct. 11, 2200 GMT. It is anticipated that servicing and replacing the instrument at the site will take no more than 6 weeks.

Thanks to Kevin Buch and the crew at LSI for taking care of the instrument and CMRC3 throughout this deployment.

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-09-14T15:04:00.000-04:00

DATE: 9/14/05
TIME: 0920
STAFF: Buch, Coutts (intern)
BOAT: Lusca (1/2 day use; 0.5 engine hrs)
NOTES: thorough cleaning, including re-positioning of PAM heads and cleaning inside of SAMI “cage”. Widespread local bleaching occurring, including Stick site and N. Norman’s Pond patch reef. PAM Agaricia head is approximately 40% bleached. PAM Siderastrea head showing mild paling at base.
Kevin

Summary of Coral Species Being Monitored

2005-09-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

This is a short summary of the species being monitored by the pulse amplitude modulating (PAM) fluorometer at this CREWS station. The instrument itself has 4 individual heads on about 10 - 15' cables connected to a central distributing unit (AKA distributor box). The signal from these 4 heads is delivered through the distributor box to the station as a single RS232 formatted signal. The four heads are mounted into two mounts with enough freedom in motion to be oriented appropriately, including angle and distance to coral surface, to allow monitoring of up to 4 different species. We have typically aimed to monitor only 2 species each in duplicate. The PAM heads are numbered 1 through 4. A list of the species monitored and the dates they are monitored follows.

5/21/05 1800 PAM1 Agaricia sp.
PAM2 Siderastrea siderea - side of colony
PAM3 S. siderea - small secondary colony near agaricia colony
PAM3 S. siderea - top or same colony monitored with PAM2

5/23/05 0500 All heads failed - pressure case corrosion issues

6/30/05 2000 PAM Redeployed with aluminum distributor box and stainless steel monitoring heads
PAM1&2 Agaricia sp.
PAM3&4 S. Siderea

7/11/05 1400 All heads failed - continued corrosion issues
7/13/05 0000 PAM3 still off, PAM1,2&4 begin reporting again
PAM1&2 Agaricia sp.
PAM4 S. siderea

7/23/05 1600 Second PAM unit deployed - corrosion issues resolved
PAM1&2 S. siderea
PAM3&4 Agaricia sp.

Currently, all heads are reporting. Based on reduction in PAM yields, the S. siderea species is showing signs of stress.

CMRC3 Upgrades

2005-08-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

Station upgrades: CMRC3 was outfitted with an additional in water Biospherical radiometer. Also, the above water radiometer was replaced and the second in water CTD was reinstalled. Finally, we moved the GPS antenna outside the case to improve GPS acquisition times. We think that shorter times may be necessary to prevent lost transmissions through GOES. So far, all instruments are reporting and we have no dropped transmissions.

Coral bleaching: We observed mild paling to full bleaching of select species of corals around the station and at neighboring N. Normans Reef. The Siderastrea siderea colonies had paling on sunlit surfaces and in blotched patterns. Agaricia sp. showed severe bleaching on some colonies, others - including the set that we are monitoring, looked unaffected. I saw no pattern to this.

Structural observations: The station had slightly more growth on it than we are accustomed to seeing but overall still appeared very clean. The BIC sensor head was perfectly clean. The PAM heads had slight algal growth covering them - this material was very easy to remove but did require pulling the PAM heads up into their mounts, cleaning, then repositioning. The worst growth was observed on the pCO2 instrument but did not appear to be affecting the inlet or outlets so we left it untouched.

Other observations: The usual suspects were observed near the stick: barracuda, a stingray, yellow rays.

PAM head update

2005-08-11T11:05:00.000-04:00

Hi Jim: Went out to the CREWS stick yesterday. It's all there. I cleaned the PAM heads and took several readings on the Siderastrea and Agaricia colony at noon. I have the following results for you to compare. For Sideratrea siderea the average quantum yield was 0.333 and for Agaricia tenuifolia it was 0.466. The PAM heads for the agaricid are definitely in a more shaded part of the colony. Taking PAM measurements on the opposite, sun exposed, side showed much lower quantum yields. Let me know how this compares.

Cheers, Michael

Dr. Michael P. Lesser
Department of Zoology and Center for Marine Biology
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
603-862-3442
603-862-3784

Station update

2005-07-28T17:00:00.001-04:00

We did see what looked to be some bleaching in the cervicornis patch (I will send or post some photos that Catherine took), and very little bleaching elsewhere (>5 partial millepora colonies and one partial agaricia) all the big montastreas and brains looked good. Will keep an eye on things...

The CTD to BIC distance is 112cm.

Cheers,

Kevin

Operational again

2005-07-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

CMRC3 was brought back online Saturday, July 23, 1100 with all instruments operational and reporting.

The second monitoring PAM fluorometer was deployed, with a new PVC housing for the distributor box and new stainless steel tubes for the sensors. After removing the first monitoring PAM unit, divers noticed pitting in one of the stainless steel sensor heads. The field crew at LSI has been requested to keep a close eye on the new system.

The deep CTD has been left off the system intentionally. The web site now reports -9 for all deep CTD values.

Each new windbird has its own magnetic compass so the direction information should be accurate. We learned the correct way to calibrate these compasses. That information will be applied to the matching instruments at SRVI1.

A site survey is planned for later this year.

Field Update

2005-07-22T21:50:00.000-04:00

Today we dealt with a bevy of issues- we have replaced all components in the station, however, the transmitter appears to be disconnected or malfunctioning- we will be heading out to the stick tomorrow morning to see if we can fix it.

Wish us luck.

Louis & Erik

Field Update

2005-07-21T19:06:00.000-04:00

Erik and I had a busy and slightly frustrating day- fortunately lady luck is still with us (although I don't know for how long).

This morning's weather was calm. Divers (Erik and Shaggy) in the water, retrieved both CTDs, and deployed the one we were carrying with us. PAM would not work with the CREWS laptop, so PAM dive was cancelled. We attempted to do a profiler cast, but the CREWS laptop would not respond to the profile. Cancel profiler cast. We then opened the box, retrieved the data logger, clipped the top of the deep CTD cable and removed it from the station. We then managed to clip and remove the wind bird masts. Note that one of the serial port connector wires was broken at the leads, this will require an onstick repair.

Break for Lunch. (turkey sandwich, fyi)

After lunch was frustrating. Erik connected his laptop to the profiler, it worked. We took the 'brain' and wind birds to the dive locker to work on them. The mast heads were made very short and do not accomodate the electronic compass extension. Erik and Shaggy improvised on the spot- he will detail that improvisation. The
datalogger was rewired as needed for the electronic compases. There was no way to test it, however, we grabbed one of the batteries that were stored in our box; sealed cartons, humid and moldy. With that were were able to power the datalogger. The RF400 cables were also damaged and broken loose- this was the cable I assembled for this 'brain'. I was able to replace it with another serial cable. Also added the gounding bolt as planned. New program (with electronic compasses) uploaded.

Around 4PM we make it out to the stick, but the weather was turning foul. We installed the wind birds and passed some wires through the conduit before calling it quits when the rain started.

Notes:

The top of the stick moves more when the current is moving, and the boat is yanking on it.

The eye nuts work wonderful as a first step- however, the all thread has paint on it, so we are unable to thread them all the way tight.

The lid is WAY too heavy to put on and off to cover for rain- figure something better soon, pretty please.

The paint job is beautiful, but it makes the stick very slippery when wet- recommend not waiting out passing rain as it makes it dangerous to leave the stick.

Cracks are forming on the windmast hole/square on the left side (when climbing the stick). Will try to photo that.

The aluminium masts were not drilled through for the holding bolt to pin it from spinning- the right one was easily pivoted in its mount.

Those are the things of note for today. Tomorrow we will try to carry out the rest of the assembly process.

Kind regards and running to dinner,
Louis & Erik

Field Update

2005-07-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

Erik and I arrived without incident.

We managed to get a boat out before dinner, and we installed the pegs (they are too narrow!) and opened up the cap.  Good news is that the surface bic appears ok (120 sample counts in the last 2 hours) due to what appears to be a loose cable.  I will probably replace the cable anyhow with one that has screwdowns for the 9 pin serial connector.

The bad news is that there seems to be corrosion going on inside the tube- the salt air is attacking most of the weaker metals on the brain.

Aside from that, it was super windy and the current was whipping as usual- the top of the stick bounces around pretty heavy.

Tomorrow will be a busy day.

Kind regards,

Louis & Erik

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-07-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

DATE: 7/6/05
TIME: 1500
STAFF: Buch, Evans
BOAT: Lucaya (1/2 day use; 0.5 engine hrs)
NOTES: routine service and close inspection of the PAM for visible problems (intermittent output). No obvious problems with the PAM or external grounding wires were observed. Also, there are really no large coral colonies suitable for PAM monitoring within the reach of the current PAM cables. I would suggest considering longer cables-I can give you measurements from the Stick to some of the closest larger corals, if this is something you would be interested in. Just let me know...
Kevin

Image of PAM head install

2005-07-13T11:52:00.001-04:00

Here's a pic of what the PAM heads look like on Agaricia sp.

PAM deployed

2005-07-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

The PAM fluorometer was redeployed on June 30, 2005. Heads were positioned, using the alignment guide, on the following coral colonies.

PAM1: Agaricia spp.
PAM2: Agaricia spp.
PAM3: Siderastrea siderea
PAM4: Siderastrea siderea

PAM 1 & 2 are on a new coral colony, different than the previous deployments. This change was required due to the fact that the new underwater cables are a few feet shorter than the old cables.
PAM 3 & 4 are on the same S.Siderea that they were on previously.

All 4 heads reported as designed until the evening of July 2. After that some intermittent behavior was observed, with more consistent reporting during the daylight hours. Support staff has been notified and underwater cables, connections, and housings will be inspected.

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-06-29T09:11:00.000-04:00

OK, just had a look at my post. seems the excel data does not read very well when dropped into the blog, so i will revise the format for my next blog update. apologies for any confusion...

KB

CMRC2/3 CREWS Field Log

2005-06-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest service/inspection update. i am testing pasting the data from our CREWS spreadsheet onto the blog. if you expand the blog window it seems to read OK-let me know. nothing unusual seen at stick or at N. Norman's reef. PAM should arrive today (6/29/05) for 6/30/05 install. Laura Robinson is our new Science Intern and John Gunderson is our summer Dive Operations Intern-their names will be appearing on the blog updates from time-to time.

cheers,
kevin

Date Time Staff Staff Time (dry) Staff Time (wet) Boat name/Boat use Engine Hrs. Notes

6/16/05 1400 Evans 1.00 0.50 Sampson (1/2 day) 0.50 routine service, no unusual observations
1400 Booker 1.00 0.50

6/21/05 1100 Evans 1.00 Nuwanda (1/2 day) 0.50 checking above water malfunctions, none observed (per Stabeneau)
1100 Robinson 1.00

PAM out

2005-06-07T14:10:00.000-04:00

PAM was removed at approx 1430 hrs, June 7th.

Kevin L. Buch
Assistant Science Director
Perry Institute for Marine Science
Lee Stocking Island, The Bahamas

Routine Service

2005-06-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

"routine service, no unusual observations"

(entry for Kevin Buch)

Name change to station: CMRC3

2005-05-31T10:40:00.000-04:00

Because of the new design and instrument capabilities, the station name has been changed to CMRC3.

Jim

PAM heads checked

2005-05-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Malfunctioning PAM head #3 checked, as per request by Jim Hendee.

"PAM 3 is flooded. Could not pinpoint the source of the leak, but bubbles seemed to be coming from where the cable joins the head. Also, I was playing with Erik’s handy measuring tool and the PAM heads seemed to be closer to the corals than what the measuring tool indicated--can you send me the exact specs for the correct distance/angle from the coral so that when I clean them I can re-position them properly?"

(entry for Kevin Buch)

Instrument set up

2005-05-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

"instrument set-up and ground truth w/ Stabeneau"

(entry for Huw Evans)

Station Transmitting Again

2005-05-21T19:59:00.000-04:00

CMRC2 became operational again and started transmitting data at 1600 GMT, 5/21/2005.  Jeff Absten, Jules Craynock, Jeff Judas, Scott Stolz, Erik Stabenau, Mike Jankulak (of AOML), Kevin Buch and Mike Lombardi (of CMRC) participated in the installation of the new design.

"Stick" installation

2005-05-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

For the last two days we have helped Jules Craynock, Jeff Judas, Scott Stolz and Jeff Absten of AOML to install new station, including lines and supporting infrastructure.

(entry for Kevin Buch and Michael Lombardi)

U/W Site photos

2005-04-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

Underwater site photos taken with Jeff Absten.

(entry for Michael Lombardi)

Station offline

2005-04-12T19:59:00.000-04:00

The station was taken down for an upgrade to the new design, which will provide an easier means for installing instruments, and will also be sleeker (no platform). Jules Craynock, Jeff Judas, Scott Stolz, Jeff Absten (of AOML), Kevin Buch and Mike Lombardi (of CMRC) participated in the take-down of the station.

CMRC2 CREWS Field Log: CMRC/CREWS Field Log

2005-03-21T15:18:00.000-05:00

Date: 3/18/05
Time: 1100-1230
Dive Time: 0.6 hrs
Boat/Boat hrs.: LUSCA/0.5 hrs
Personnel: K. Buch (PIMS Staff); N. Malloch (visiting student)

Performed routine cleaning of instruments, lines and chains. No unusual observations other than very poor vis (<20 ft; suspended sediment), most likely due to multiple days of high wind (there appears to be more fine sediment in the area since the 2004 hurricanes)

CMRC/CREWS Field Log

2005-03-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

Stick maintenance update-

Date: 28 FEB 05
Time: approx 1700-1730 hrs
Dive time: 20 min.
Divers: Kevin Buch (PIMS/CMRC); Keri Goodman (PIMS Science Intern)
Boat: Lusca
Boat time: 0.5 hrs
Observations: nothing unusual. new Falmouth instruments looked fine, but copper screens on shallow CTD showed light-moderate silting. still need info on how to properly re-position PAM heads after cleaning, as the heads need to be moved for cleaning and the bases also seem to have shifted slightly. also, HOBO light sensor cases are getting pretty fouled-can these be removed for cleaning and then be re-deployed?

Maintenance Service

2005-02-28T16:40:00.001-05:00

"Routine service."

(entered for Kevin Buch)

Maintenance Service

2005-02-28T16:40:00.000-05:00

"Routine service."

(entered for Kevin Buch)

CMRC/CREWS Field Log

2005-02-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

CMRC/CREWS Field Log

On monday 2/14 Mike Jankulak (NOAA) and Steve Niland from Falmouth Scientific will arrive on island to work on the CTD's at the stick. The work will take place on Tuesday and Mike and Steve are departing LSI on 2/16