IEEE Earthzine’s Jenny Woodman is blogging from the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. Read more about her journey here.

A colony of common murres on the rocky shores in Point Reyes National Seashore. Image Credit: Jenny Woodman
When the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are deployed, Lipski and her team will be looking for rocky spots along the ocean floor that are likely host to coral and sponge communities. Using ROV Hercules, the science team will collect biological samples for identification and water samples to monitor for pollutants and any changes in chemistry.
“We know a bit about the productivity; Cordell Bank is a hotspot for marine mammals and seabirds,” said Cordell Bank Education and Outreach Coordinator Jenny Stock. “It’s kind of cool we’re getting to go down below and see what’s there.”
My watch will be noon-4 p.m. and midnight to 4 a.m., whenever the ROVs are deployed. You can tune in any time and follow the dives live at www.Nautiluslive.org.
Jenny Woodman is a science writer and Writing Fellowship Coordinator for IEEE Earthzine; she lives Portland, Oregon. Follow her on Twitter: @JennyWoodman