Bergen's famous tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl is currently collecting different kinds of ocean data during its circumnavigation of the globe. This is the One Ocean Expedition. It is a recognized part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the goal is to create attention and share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean for a sustainable future. In December, the Nansen Center joined a leg of this unprecedented sailing trip.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the port of Miami. Photo: Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik

The trip – Miami to New York City – was organized by the Bergen Marine Research Cluster, led by the Institute for Marine Research (IMR). Between the 10^th and 18^th of December, dozens of students were able to participate in an IMR workshop called “Science and Sailing”. Two of these were supported by the Nansen Center and the Bergen Marine Research Cluster: Astrid Stallemo and Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik. Johnny A. Johannessen (NERSC) was the driving force behind the Nansen Center joining this trip, and he participated as well, along with software developer Adrien Perrin from NERSC.

In two travel letters, Bjørnar and Astrid are taking us on their journey onboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl, sailing along the North American coast, making unforgettable memories!

Bjørnar

Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik working up in the masts, while overlooking the Atlantic. Photo: Sigrid Solem Næsheim

MSc student at UiB, field: Ocean technology, MSc thesis co-supervised by Hanne Sagen (Acoustic and Oceanography leader) and Espen Storheim (Acoustic and Oceanography) 

"I had the opportunity to join the One Ocean Expedition, and I am glad that I chose to travel, even though there was some uncertainty about the Corona situation. I enlisted as a trainee in Miami and was placed on red guard. This meant guards from 12 to 4pm and midnight to 4am every day. On board there are four permanent guards such as fire guard, helmsman, buoy guard, and lookout. All guards are important to maintain safety, and to steer the ship on the right course. The rest of the guard team is the deck crew who is responsible for setting sails and adjusting them. We had some shifts where there was a lot of pulling of ropes, and most of us came home for Christmas with working hands. After a while there was a good deal of work up in the masts for the ones who wanted to go up. It was an incredibly powerful feeling to be 40-50 meters above sea level and work.

For my part, the benefits of this trip have been enormous, both practically and theoretically. All in all, this has been a unique experience where I have made many new friendships and made contacts within instrumentation, acoustics, and oceanography, which can be useful in connection with my master’s thesis, among other things. I would recommend everyone to join a leg of the "One Ocean Expedition" if the opportunity arises! In addition to sailing, we spent our time with the "Science and Sailing" workshop. Its' very relevant and intriguing topics covered current issues at sea, and data collected so far during the One Ocean Expedition. We focused on one topic per day, and the different topics were Acoustics, fish & fisheries; Litter and microplastics in the ocean; Environmental DNA (eDNA)?; Marine mammals & sound; Physical oceanography; Drifting up the food chain satellites; and Integrated ecosystem analysis. There were many incredibly informative lectures, and we always had the very good opportunity to discuss and talk with experts afterwards."

Astrid

Astrid Stallemo up front on deck. Photo: Ingrid Furnes HavreMSc student at UiB, field: Oceanography, MSc thesis co-supervised by Hanne Sagen (Acoustic and Oceanography leader), Espen Storheim (Acoustic and Oceanography), and Helene R. Langehaug (Climate Dynamics and Prediction)

"I have been on research cruises before, but this was a unique and very different cruise compared to what I have experienced before. As a trainee we worked two 4-hour shifts per day consisting of setting sails, pulling ropes, steering the ship, and climbing the rigging. It was a surreal view up in the mast, watching the skyline of New York appear on the horizon. A view I will remember for a long time.

Apart from the unique experience of being a trainee, I enjoyed the "Science and Sailing" workshop immensely. Researchers and students presented their work on different topics relevant for the data gathered onboard. What made a special impact on me was to see researchers and students engaging in each other’s work, sharing knowledge, and discuss ideas. It was very inspiring to see everyone's passion for the ocean, and to find answers to key questions of the many aspects of the ocean, practically making use of data taken during the One Ocean Expedition. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to join this expedition and I will take this experience with me for further work within oceanography."

More information on the One Ocean Expedition:

Statsraad Lehmkuhl’s One Ocean Expedition: NERSC is onboard! – News story from 21.08.2020

What NERSC will do onboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl during the One Ocean Expedition – News story from 20.08.2021

One Ocean Expedition – Homepage

Photo: Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik

Astrid Stallemo climbing. Photo: Nora Fredheim

Photo: Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik

The Statue of Liberty seen from Statsraad Lehmkuhl after 9 days on the ocean. Photo: Bjørnar Hallaråker Røsvik