The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered species in the world, and Sarah Mussoline Turks and Caicos Fall ’06 is working to ensure that they receive adequate protection.
As a research assistant for both the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Sarah divides her time between the lab work and onboard data collection.
"At sea, I assist with visual surveys where we observe from the tallest part of the ship (the fly bridge) and identify the numbers, species, and associated behaviors of all marine mammals sighted. I also deploy equipment like a video plankton recorder, to take pictures of plankton in the water column. Plankton is an important food source to many of these species," said Sarah.
"Or, the most fun, I drive smaller boats called zodiacs that are deployed from the larger, support ship. While in the smaller boats, we have more maneuverability and are able to drive close enough to whales to take their photographs or retrieve biopsy samples to later derive genetic information."
"On land, I focus on processing the data we previously collected at sea," she said. "For example, I listen to the whales' vocalizations in spectrograms and determine what species they belong to. We can then start to ask questions about the seasonal and diel occurrence of different species in different habitats of the ocean." Sarah recently submitted her first journal article as first author to Endangered Species Research on her work with North Atlantic right whale vocalizations.
"Without a doubt, my SFS experience contributed to where I ended up," said Sarah. "Previous to participating, my transfer of knowledge occurred in a classroom and behind the cover of textbooks. I had yet to be exposed to directed research and I had yet to fully participate in fieldwork. SFS taught me how to work independently, but also to work as part of a team. Not only did I learn how to problem solve in the field, but I also learned what we do not know about the ocean. Basically, SFS inspired me to pursue a job studying the marine environment."
Her semester with SFS, added Sarah, gave her three essentials skills, namely "the ability to reason analytically, the ability to read critically, and the ability to communicate effectively, through every day interactions with the community."
Some of Sarah’s most vivid memories from her SFS Turks and Caicos experience involve her conversations with the local islanders, or Belongers. "One girl asked if I swam in the ocean. When I replied yes, she asked me a series of questions about the water, like what I saw and what 'it' felt like. I quickly realized, despite bring surrounded by water on all four sides, and despite her family being supported by fish, she had never actually swam in the ocean." Communication is the key to making a difference, said Sarah, since understanding precedes caring and action.
Her advice to prospective SFS students is to get to know the residents of South Caicos, because interactions can be valuable for both parties. Students learn firsthand about the South Caicos fishery and its value to the local economy; Belongers learn about the corresponding need for a marine conservation plan. "Put yourself out there and be engaged," she said.
Recently, Sarah mentored young marine biologists as a guest scientist with Sea Education Association, a study abroad program where students live and learn on a sailboat. Sarah advises college students who are interested in following her career path take hard sciences, mathematics, and programming to build a solid foundation and stand out from the crowd. She's enjoyed learning how to become an effective teacher through real life experience and discussions, inspiring future generations of marine scientists and conservationists.