October 2008 Survey

The coastal ocean waters off Port Aransas during the fall time survey showed nearly uniform water temperature distribution over distance and over depth. Salinity varied significantly indicating different water masses might have been cooled down at shallow shelf sea.

July and August 2008 Surveys

Shank and I conducted the surveys along the same track between Port Aransas jetties and an offshore platform NWSWX1 during the summertime.  Warmer, saltier, and clearer offshore water was apprent in the region.  The July survey which had been delayed multiple times due to weather condition - we hesitated till the last minute - was particularly rewarding when we finally hit the clear weather and calm sea out side 10nm area. Catching a small fish sleeping in a Sargassum patch with a foot was a delightful bonus. Some fine brown and elongated white particulates (Tricodesmium?) were observed.

May 2008 Survey

This is the first joint survey with Chris Shank (MSI) to investigate the basic hydrographic condition and optical properties of the water column off Port Aransas. We conducted survey between Port Aransas jetties and an offshore platform (NWSWX1) 15 nm out of Port Aransas (~30m deep). Shank and I both tested our new equipment at this survey. The sea was covered by patches of Sargassum in many areas.