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

美国东南部沿海地区由于人口快速增长而面临越来越大的压力。 事实上，从北卡罗来纳州到佛罗里达的沿海地区是全国发展最快的地区。 沿海自然资源（屏障岛屿、河口）和重要生态系统（湿地、沼泽、潮沟）处于危险之中。 海滩游客以及商业和娱乐渔民的水质是一个关键问题：一些湿地和沼泽地遭到破坏，大多数贝类捕捞区被关闭或消失，许多传统渔业现在被关闭或受到限制。 位于威尔明顿的北卡罗来纳州大学海洋科学研究中心（CMSR）一直在稳步发展，以跟上该区域的需求。 为了更好地满足这些教育和研究需要，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，该项目将支持购置一个基本和急需的海洋学仪器，即一个电导率-温度-深度计和一个Carnival水取样器。 CTD是一种最先进的海洋采样仪器，配有电子传感器，用于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）。 根据装有传感器的压力容器的厚度，CTD可用于不同的深度。CTD-Carnival设备将由UNCW-CMSR主要从Cape Fear号R/V操作。 主要用户将是从事近海和近海水取样和监测的研究人员。 使用CTD Carcillo也将具有重要的教育内容，让UNCW的本科生和研究生参加在Cape Fear号R/V上进行的培训航行和实地考察。 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社区学院也将参与利用R/V Cape Fear和CTD设备的研究/教育方案。

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.