On Dry Land: The Marshall Islands

5/9/2026

Iakwe from Majuro in the Marshall Islands!

I’m Emma and I am a CTD Watchstander on the sunset shift (noon to midnight) on the R/V Langseth, which will be occupying the P04E line in the Pacific ocean at ~9.5 North, and can I just say, WOW the sun is strong. While we await the ship’s readiness, many of the science crew, like me, have already discovered the need to be EXTRA cautious not to get sunburned again.

While we arrived early, the ship’s departure has been delayed several days, and so we excitedly await the unknown date we shall set sail on our voyage. However the islands are stunning and the people have welcomed us with open arms. The crew has a large portion of students and incredible scientists who have been sharing laughs and adventures from Day 1.

Many of us took to the warm seas on a diving and snorkeling trip to the island’s vibrant and thriving coral reefs and WWII plane wreckages amongst others. Lets just say, if you give oceanographers a pristine coral reef…  you’ll never hear the end of the thrilling fascination and nerdsplaining. But we would argue that’s the best you could ask for. Highlights were definitely sightings of the sharks (including a tawny nurse shark), a massive purple seastar, and a stonefish.

Day 3 was just as thrilling. We visited a local island in the atoll, Bokan Botin, a Marine Protected Area, where a scientific posting is being installed. I’m not sure anyone could believe that we were actually here or comprehend the pristine beauty of this slice of paradise. We had a day of snorkeling in the tropical aquamarine waters through reefs with giant clams and an ensuing volleyball tournament.