Senior academy in Wilhelmshaven
From 19 – 20 June 2014, senior students participated in the first course of this semester´s senior academy under the umbrella of the Wadden Sea visitor centre, Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The course „From plankton to oil- measurements with light in science and citizen science“ was organised by the Citclops team of the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) in Wilhelmshaven, and was split in a theoretical- and field day. The course started at the ICBM facilities in Wilhelmshaven with a lecture on measurements of microscopic algae, suspended matter and dissolved organic material with bio-optical sensors and sensor system, including Citclops techniques. The senior students then braved waves, wind and rain during a field trip on the ICBM research vessel Otzum in the Wadden Sea coastal zone in Jade Bay.
Despite harshest weather conditions, our senior students measured Secchi depth, water colour and fluorescence, as well as basic oceanographic parameters, such as salinity and temperature over depth. The cruise was scheduled one day before the Ocean Sampling Day- on 21 June the same measurements were then accompanied by samples on biodiversity at OSD site 148. Wind and wave actions did not allow measurements at the more exposed OSD site during the senior academy. Nonetheless we had a great day and we thank our fantastic senior- team for their high interest in measurements & topic, initiative & ideas, and last but not least for coping with the non-perfect sea conditions during the cruise. We had a great day with you!