Date: August 26-27, 2019
Location: Lat: 44.66082°, Lon: -63.55810°
A filmmaker (third from right) speaks with Science Lead Jeff Obelcz upon his arrival at port. Image courtesy of Art Howard, Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration, Deep Connections 2019. Download larger version (jpg, 30 MB).
An unexpected trifold of delays, including storm-induced flight delays, bad weather, and an engine issue, have made for an eventful beginning to the Deep Connections 2019 expedition. While NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer was originally slated to leave the pier in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on Monday, August 26, her voyage has been delayed for two days. Nevertheless, mission personnel have found ways to use the extra time in port productively.
On Monday, operations continued as planned for a technology test of video and sound equipment for two live interactions that will take place later in the expedition with the New England Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium. On Tuesday, the second extra day at the pier allowed time for a reporter from the Canadian Broadcasting Company to come aboard and interview Mike White, the expedition’s Mapping Lead. It also allowed a local film crew in the process of making a short film about the expedition to record footage for an additional day.
Mapping Lead Mike White (far right) prepares for his interview with a local reporter. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Deep Connections 2019. Download larger version (jpg, 4.6 MB).
Beyond these additional activities, Okeanos mission personnel have engaged the local community by conducting a series of ship tours, attending a networking event set up by a collection of local ocean exploration affiliates, and helping to set up a new Exploration Command Center at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth.
The Halifax skyline, as seen from Dartmouth, has greeted the crew each morning. Image courtesy of Art Howard, Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration, Deep Connections 2019. Download larger version (jpg, 36.1 MB).
