MOSS LANDING, Calif. -- Along the rocky waves of Moss Landing, the vessel "Point Sur," began its journey, 8,000 thousand miles south, to Antarctica.
"It's truly amazing," said Stewart Lamerdin, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Superintendent.
Point Sur will host scientists from all over the world, once again, putting Moss Landing Laboratories on the map
"Moss Landing has always played a key role in marine science and this just adds to that reputation and role," said Lamerdin.
The vessel will travel a total of 17,000 miles consuming 80,000 gallons of fuel. But those numbers are nothing compared to the challenges they may face.
"Being around icebergs is a major concern. We have to be extremely careful working around and avoid it at all costs."
Over the next five months scientists will research the krill population and marine mammal activity in Antarctica. Research that will used by the National Science Foundation.
"It's an interesting turn of events that a ship from Moss Landing is going to the Antarctic," said Lamerdin.
Thursday, each shipmate said their last good byes looking forward to the long journey ahead. So for now, Bon voyage Point Sur.
Follow the ship's path and read about the science mission and crew members' adventures on the MLML Marine Operations' web site
(http://marineops.mlml.calstate.edu).
