FSML-Purchase of Seabird CTD and Carousel Water Sampler to Support UNCW Center for Marine Science Research (CMSR)Research Vessel (R/V Cape Fear)

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The coastal areas of the southeast U.S. are under increasing pressure due to rapid population growth. Indeed, the coastal area extending from North Carolina to Florida is the fastest growing region of the nation. Coastal natural resources (barrier islands, estuaries) and critical ecosystems (wetlands, marshes, tidal creeks) are at risk. Water quality for beach-goers and for commercial and recreational fisherman is a critical issue: Several wetlands and marshes have been damaged, the majority of shellfishing areas are closed or have disappeared, and many traditional fisheries are now closed or restricted. The Center for Marine Science Research (CMSR) at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) has been steadily growing to keep pace with the needs of the region. To better address these educational and research needs a new marine science facility is being built and a research vessel was recently purchased.This project will support the acquisition of an essential and critically needed oceanographic instrument, a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth meter (CTD) coupled with a Carousel Water Sampler. The CTD is a state-of-the-art oceanographic sampling instrument with electronic sensors to measure the three main parameters characterizing a water mass: salinity (conductivity), temperature, and pressure (depth). A CTD can be rated for different depths according to the thickness of the pressure vessels containing its sensors.The CTD-Carousel equipment will be operated by UNCW-CMSR primarily from the R/V Cape Fear. Researchers focusing on inshore and offshore water sampling and monitoring will be the primary users. The use of the CTD-Carousel will also have a significant educational component, by involving UNCW undergraduate and graduate students during training cruises and field trips onboard the R/V Cape Fear. At sea training will also become an essential part of the marine science master's program that will soon be underway. Cape Fear Community College and Brunswick Community College will also become involved in research/eductional programs utilizing the R/V Cape Fear and the CTD equipment.