Crew's 'fish' helps scientists detect climate change

Bosun Samuel Recto and Raynaldo Legones have a special job on board the Oleander.

As well as washing down the decks, painting the railings and keeping the ship in tip-top condition, they are tasked with putting the ship’s special “fish” in the water.

But this is not your average marine life — it is a 6ft piece of research equipment that monitors sea conditions in the Atlantic.

Every month, as the Oleander sails out of Port Elizabeth in New Jersey, Sam and Ray head to the back of the ship and release the “fish”.

The Filipino sailors, who have served on the Oleander for nearly 15 years, ensure it is towed behind the ship for about 12 hours as it collects data from the deep.

Gases

The job only takes 15 minutes but the information helps scientists understand climate change and the Gulf Stream.

The “fish” is part of the extensive research set up on the Oleander to measure greenhouse gases in the ocean.

The rest of the equipment is installed in the engine room.

Last week, the crew of the Oleander received an Environmental Hero award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for their work.

The prizes are presented to individuals and organisations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its work.

Mr. Recto, 46, said: “It only takes us a few minutes to get the fish in the water but we know it’s an important job. We always make sure we do it properly as we know the information that is collected is important to the scientists.”

Mr. Legones, 54, added: “This is just part of our job.

“We have been doing it for so long now it is just another one of our duties on board.”

The Oleander is due to arrive back in Hamilton on Sunday morning.

She was late last weekend as she was forced to wait for fuel in New Jersey.

The latest batch of cement arrived in Dockyard courtesy of the Cemcon tanker on Saturday afternoon.

She left Bermuda on Monday morning bound for Colombia.

On Monday, the Odergas arrived at the oil docks in St. George’s from the Bahamas to supply light propane gas.

She left the island yesterday morning bound for Jamaica.

Cars

The Amber Arrow car carrier pulled into Hamilton yesterday with a batch of 50 new Japanese cars.

She is due to leave first thing this morning bound for the Bahamas.

Today, the Norwegian Dawn is due to arrive in Dockyard, while the Veendam makes the short journey from Murray’s Anchorage off St. George’s to Hamilton.

The Somers Isle is also scheduled to sail into Hamilton this morning from Florida.

Tomorrow, the Caribbean Princess and her 3,180 passengers will arrive in Dockyard for a 10-hour stay on the island.

The cruise liner then heads for San Juan in Puerto Rico.

The Explorer of the Seas is due to arrive in Dockyard on Saturday morning and leaves later the same day, while on Sunday, the Norwegian Spirit makes her 15th trip of the year to Bermuda.