We are currently studying oceanography.  We spent the day on a boat so that we could collect data in several different areas.  We measured the visibility of the water with a secchi disk.  We also measured the salinity of the water.  And, we used a current meter to measure the current of the water.  We compared several different study sites to investigate the differences between them.  We were able to observe the tidal changes while we were out on the boat as well; the tide was high when we left (we had to step up onto the boat) and the tide was very low when we returned (we had to step up to exit the boat).

It happens to be the time of year that humpback whales are here around the Hawaiian islands.  They migrate to this area for their breeding season, and many of them are found in the shallow areas surrounding Maui.  As a bonus while we were on the water, we were able to observe the surface behavior of some humpback whales (they have to come up to the surface at least once an hour to breathe, and often display social behaviors at the surface).  The boat also had a hydrophone on board, which is an underwater microphone.  We took some time to drop the hydrophone into the water so that we could listen to some of the humpback whale's "song."  The whales sing this "song" during the breeding season, though scientists do not know why or what it communicates.  All of the whales in the area sing the same song, though they may be at different points in the song (like a round).  If you would like to hear the "song" of the humpback whale, and see what they look like, you can view the video below:

You can also visit www.whalesong.net to listen to a live feed of humpback whale song!