One of our most popular and versatile offerings! Students will investigate the living and nonliving components of Long Island Sound, while participating in our flagship environmental monitoring program aboard the Research Vessel Enviro-Lab. Students will study living organisms in the stern of the boat after hauling a benthic trawl, a plankton tow, a lobster pot, and (on some trips) sorting infauna from a Peterson grab. In the bow of the boat, they’ll use a wide range of oceanographic equipment as they investigate physical and chemical aspects of the estuary, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and CO₂.

To prepare for this trip: Students should wear closed toed shoes and dress for the weather. Remember, it's typically colder and windier by the water. Dressing in layers is recommended. Life jackets will be provided.

Suggested labs: A Changing Sound, Lobster and Climate Change, Layered Ocean