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

由于人口的快速增长，美国东南部沿海地区正面临越来越大的压力。事实上，从北卡罗来纳州到佛罗里达州的沿海地区是美国经济增长最快的地区。沿海自然资源（堰洲岛、河口）和关键生态系统（湿地、沼泽、潮汐溪）处于危险之中。水质对海滩游客和商业和休闲渔民来说是一个关键问题：一些湿地和沼泽已经被破坏，大多数贝类捕捞区已经关闭或消失，许多传统渔业现在已经关闭或受到限制。北卡罗来纳大学威尔明顿分校（UNCW）海洋科学研究中心（CMSR）一直在稳步发展，以跟上该地区的需求。为了更好地满足这些教育和研究需求，正在建造一个新的海洋科学设施，最近还购买了一艘研究船。该项目将支持购买必不可少的海洋仪器，即电导率-温度-深度计（CTD）和旋转船水采样器。CTD是一种最先进的海洋采样仪器，带有电子传感器，可以测量表征水体的三个主要参数：盐度（电导率）、温度和压力（深度）。CTD可以根据包含其传感器的压力容器的厚度来额定不同的深度。CTD-Carousel设备将由UNCW-CMSR主要从R/V Cape Fear操作。主要用户将是从事近岸和近海水采样和监测的研究人员。ctd旋转木马的使用也将具有重要的教育组成部分，通过在R/V Cape Fear上进行训练巡航和实地考察，UNCW本科生和研究生将参与其中。海上训练也将成为即将开始的海洋科学硕士课程的重要组成部分。Cape Fear社区学院和Brunswick社区学院也将利用R/V Cape Fear和CTD设备参与研究/教育项目。

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.