Dr. Son is now on board the T/S OSHORO MARU, conducting research. Updates from the cruise will be posted!

A University of Hawaiʻi student shares her onboard experience!
An Arctic Voyage through the Eyes of a University of Hawaiʻi Student（Updated:7/23）

Ruby Helmuth

There is no other word to describe the Arctic Cruise besides exceptional. Each day I have found myself learning fascinating things about the Arctic Ocean. With every instrumental deployment, I am building a strong foundation in practical and advanced skills that aid in my understanding of oceanography. The researchers and crew whom I have the privilege to work with are beautifully weaving together their specialties to provide a comprehensive training program unlike any other I have been a part of. Furthermore, the OSHORO MARU is home to a kind and compassionate community, one that fosters friendship and mentorship by emphasizing humanity within the scientific field. Together we watch the sunset, share drinks and snacks, and dance to keep warm. The Arctic is what brought me to this program, but I have come to realize that it is the ship full of people who I will remember the most. With that, I can confidently share that this ship brings the heart of Japan to the Arctic Ocean.

Group photo on the compass deck

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MOHT Observation（Updated:7/21）

A MOHT (Matsuda, Oozeki & Hu Midwater Trawl) survey was conducted using a specialized frame trawl designed to collect juvenile and mesopelagic fish, as well as zooplankton. The operation yielded a bucketful of biological samples. The collected material contained large amounts of algae and gelatinous substances produced by zooplankton. Students therefore carefully sorted through the samples to extract fish larvae and eggs from the surrounding material. The selected specimens were preserved in ethanol and will be examined in greater detail after the vessel returns to Hakodate.

Students sorting the collected samples.

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Sea Ice Sampling at the Northernmost Station（Updated:7/17）

At the northernmost station of the cruise, T/S OSHORO MARU successfully collected seven sea ice samples for scientific observations at 70°- 30’N. The sea ice samples measured approximately 1.0–1.5 m in width and 0.2–0.5 m in thickness, with temperatures at their centers ranging from 0 to −1.3°C. University of Hawaii students and the open training students measured the size and salinity of each sample, gaining hands-on experience with Arctic sea ice research. After the measurements, each sea ice sample was divided into smaller pieces and sealed for preservation. Some of the collected sea ice will be melted and used in future student experiments, allowing participants to further study the physical and chemical properties of Arctic sea ice.

Students measuring the size and salinity of sea ice

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Crew change in Nome, Alaska（Updated:7/13）

The crew change for the OSHORO MARU Arctic expedition took place in Nome, Alaska. During this transition, we celebrated the safe return of the Leg 1 participants and expressed our best wishes for a safe, successful, and productive voyage for the Leg 2 team as they departed for the Arctic Ocean.
The crew change also provided a valuable opportunity for participants to spend time together and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Nome. As all members of the Uehiro Oceanography Laboratory participating in the Arctic expedition were gathered in one place, we took a commemorative group photograph in front of the OSHORO MARU to mark this memorable milestone of the expedition.

Group Photo of Uehiro Oceanography Laboratory Arctic Expedition Participants