[continued from "New Research Vessel," Journal of the San Juans, January 9, 2002]
...toward the Labs with the vessel's capabilities in mind.
The state Department of Ecology and King County Department of Natural Resources have proposed a project for ongoing study of ocean conditions in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The partnership for the Joint Effort to Monitor the Straits of Juan de Fuca (JEMS) also includes the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Friday Harbor Laboratories and Roche Harbor Resort. Findings can help the state satisfy requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act.
Bruce Miller and Fred Utter of University of Washington's College of Fisheries want the boat for study of the dispersal of bottom-fish larvae in Puget Sound. They have pending support of $513,562 from Washington Sea Grant.
Willows said the boat can further his team's research about the brain-activity of sea slugs and the relationship to the human brain. The project has $1 million of support from the Packard Foundation.
"Our outer shells have certainly evolved differently, but the neuro circuitry is basically the same," he said.
Sea slugs have the largest brain cells in the animal kingdom. Computerized "data chips" attached to their brain cells store neurological information about their movements and activities. By monitoring the creatures in their natural environment, Willows says scientists may understand how the human brain operates and which areas control certain functions. That information may someday lead to an electronic -- or computerized -- remedy for people who suffer brain damage, he said.
Duggins expects the boat will also make a splash with local students. The Labs, San Juan County Conservation District, San Juan Island School District and Spring Street School recently signed a partnership that brings scientists to the schools and students to the Labs for hands-on research in marine science. The program's coordinator, Jenny Roberts of San Juan Island, recently started developing a curriculum for the K-12 Outreach Program.
Duggins hopes students will be aboard for first-hand scientific explorations once liability issues are resolved. Willows said chemistry sparks when students' natural curiosity rubs against the passion of scientists working in the field.
"We can give them the tools, and if their bright, that spark and imagination can be captured," Willows said of encouraging future scientists. "But, if no one provides the tools shows them the passion, it's not going to happen."
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Used by permission. Scott Rasmussen, The Journal of the San Juans, Friday Harbor, WA
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