Today was a terrific day for the third of our SEEAL-sponsored Watershed Expeditions trips, and we had great weather for the students from Fairhaven High School. Also joining us were teacher Barbara Belanger, parent/volunteers Jim and Nancy Dalton, Fairhaven Schools Superintendent Jan Ansay, Watershed Expeditions coordinator Dan Herzlinger from the Westport River Watershed Alliance. Clear skies and winds blowing about 25 knots from the north made for a wonderful sail. After getting away from the dock at about 8 am, we set the fore and jumbo and made our way through the hurricane gate. We had moment of silence, during which everyone aboard enjoyed the beautiful day, listening to the sounds of the boat and of Buzzard’s Bay.

Once the "silence" was broken, the eight students learned about the history of the Ernestina. As we entered Apponagansett Bay, off Ricketsons Point, we set up our otter trawl, which is used to collect specimens from the bottom. The net was only over the side for about five minutes, but we managed to catch a huge variety of animals. It was a very successful trawl, and among the many interesting things to see and learn about were squid, skates, flounder, scup, and many species of crab. After spending some time discussing our catch, we released the animals back into the water.

As Ernestina made her way back toward New Bedford around 1 pm, the students spent their time discussing plankton and water quality, and then helped the crew to strike the sails. It seems that students and crew alike enjoyed the day and learned a lot in the process.

Respectfully submitted by Liz Maloney
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn

Day’s Run: 19.3 nm
This project was funded thanks to a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. It is a project of the Sountheastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEAL) under the auspices of the Sommunity Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.