R/V Oceanus, Voyage #458 (OC458)
15 October 2009 - 25 October 2009

 
research objective is a continuing study of red tides, or toxic =Alexandrium blooms, in the Gulf of Maine region. Past studies have shown that the = abundance of these cysts (blooms) varies dramatically year-to-year, and that the = cyst abundance measured during the fall one year is a first-order predictor = of the regional bloom magnitude in the next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 
 
Planned scientific activities include:  1) Collection of sediment cores =for enumeration of Alexandrium fundyense cysts in the Gulf of Maine and = the Bay of Fundy, and  2) Collection of suspended cyst samples from the = Benthic Nepheloid Layer just off the northern flank of Georges Bank = (Georges and Franklin Basins). 
 
scientific personnel participating on this leg under the direction of =