Hello, everyone!

When the nets come up, it’s time to sort….  Each net is processed one net time so we don’t mix up samples between one net and another.  The entire process can take anywhere from four to six hours depending on how full each cod end is.  We first identify the organisms and then they go to Nina and Natalie for data entry.  Animals are being used for multiple studies once we are back on our labs:  DNA barcoding, genetic diversity studies, stable isotope analysis, contaminant analysis and vertical distribution studies.

Here is just a sample of some unique specimens we’ve collected so far!

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Photo 1:  Nina and Natalie at the data entry station

Photo 2:  A sample of the over 600 euphausiids (krill) that team crusty had the pleasure of counting from one net

Photo 3:  A selection of bristlemouths and a hatchetfish that was going to processing for the PAH study

Photo 4:  Nina with a Fangtooth fish

Photo 5:  The mollusca collected on one of the tows- 4 small pelagic snails, one small Vampire squid and a Chiroteuthis mega (deep-sea squid)