After an overnight steam to another seamount on Challenger, we’re deploying again just after 0700. After yesterday, I’m definitely apprehensive that we’re just going to see more of the same. We’re dropping down to a few different spots to maximise our chances of seeing some pockets of biodiversity.
Something out there knows we need cheering up, because within minutes of getting to depth we’re given some of the best shots from our voyage so far. There’s a lot of excitement and high fives this morning, and we’re glad we made the call to stick around out here despite yesterday.
We do three drops. Kat, John and our winch operator spend ten hours in the container. Miraculously, our magic trio haven’t fallen out yet, despite spending almost every day in a space that’s 3sqm with a 400 volt transformer raging behind them, often having to brace themselves against the swell using the same table leg.
It’s another massive day, but what a difference to have awesome results to show for it. The campaign team debrief on the bow, we check the weather with the captain and make a plan for tomorrow.
Join the call to demand that the NZ Govt bans bottom trawling on seamounts and similar deep sea features, and stop issuing permits for bottom trawling in international waters.
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