Logan Garner asks: How did you get to be where you are and do what you do? I am a Science and Technology Studies student at Butler University. My goal is to work for NOAA as my primary interest is wildlife conservation/marine conservation. I am curious as to what experiences and channels led any (or all) of you to such a unique position within NOAA. Thank you very much for your time!
Hi Logan
Good luck with your studies……..
Most of us working at or with Aquarius do not work for NOAA, we actually work for or with the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, which operates the Aquarius Reef Base program. It is owned by NOAA, but operated by UNCW.
However, to get a similar type of job with NOAA, UNCW or other program there are many avenues you could go through. Since your interest is in wildlife and marine conservation you should probably continue with your studies through at least a Masters degree. Just as importantly you should try to get some experience outside of schooling as an intern, volunteer, or assistant during the summer and if possible, as part of your school work. You can check with local research institutions, nature centers and given your interests, I would check with non-profits that focus on conservation. A very good organization that might be able to help is ECO – Environmental Careers Organization (www.eco.org). And just as in business, in marine science and conservation you will want to be sure to network and go after opportunities as you find them!
Good luck,
Ellen Prager
Chief Scientist, Aquarius Reef Base
Joel Canales asks: this is for mr howen have u found any barracudas?
Dear Joel,
We saw quite a few barracuda. On one dive we descended through twelve to fifteen of them in a school. There is one large barracuda, “Bob” that hangs out under Aquarius. The reputation they have as being aggressive is not earned. They are very curious and watch what we are doing, but they leave us alone.
Steve Houwen
Alameda High School
Surface Science Team
Tiago Lopez asks: Hi, this is Tiago Lopez, Im a 7th grader at Ada merritt K-8 center. I was wondering why the hydrogen in your blood forms into bubbles if you surface to fast. Is it decompression chamber uncomfortable to your ears as the pressure increases. And what would you do ( I dought that it ever will happen), but what if, say a hurricane comes by, and the Aquarius lab is knocked from its foundations or water starts leaking in? Thank you very much and good luck.
Dear Tiago
The gas in a diver’s blood is mainly nitrogen and it can form bubbles if a person has excess gas in their blood due to being at higher pressure underwater and he or she surfaces to quickly because the gas expands as the surrounding pressure decreases. Typically, in a chamber or when diving and the pressure increases, divers much clear there ears to relieve the pressure. One way to do this is to pinch your nose closed and blow. The Aquarius would not be knocked from its foundation in a hurricane, but it has been moved and had damage, so the staff carefully prepares when a hurricane approaches and if people are living in Aquarius they are evacuated before the hurricane hits.
Thanks for the questions.
Dr. Ellen Prager
Chief Scientist, Aquarius Reef Base
Natasha Swink asked: Bonjour!
Although the Florida waters are much warmer than some more northern areas, does it still get cold being at such depth and do you have to take precautions when diving for hours at a time in order to
keep your body temperature at the norm?
Natasha
Bonjour! When diving for longer periods of time, I must wear a thick wetsuit and hood to stay warm and comfortable. During this mission I dived for 6 hours straight in about 77 degree Fahrenheit water. May not seem cold (to northern area divers, but after some time lowers body temperature. Another thing to consider are events called upwellings. Basically, this is even colder water which finds its way from deeper, distant parts of the ocean to shallower areas, like right here at Conch Reef where Aquarius sits. Upwelling can occur frequently, rapidly, and without warning to the diver. Shivering and fatigue soon follows, so we take precautions and dive safe.
Dewey Smith
Aquarius Aquanaut and Habitat Technician
Alex Deuling asks: Does it feel weird “sleeping with the fish” every night (being under water that is)?
Hi Alex,
It is so great to sleep with the fishes. Actually, my favorite thing about Aquarius is being able to lay in my bunk and look out the viewport (the window) and see all the fish swimming by. Especially at night, when the lights are on, there is so much action out there. The lights attract little invertebrates in the water column, which attract little fish who eat them, which attract bigger fish who eat the little fish. There’s always quite a show to watch. There are some giant Goliath groupers that hang outside the windows at night and just drift by once in awhile. Sleeping with the fishes is a little wierd, we are in the aquarium this time, but I love it!
Thanks for your question!
Ashley Knight