Deep Sea ROVs

Third-Year CCS Biologist Anshika Bagla explores the Gulf of California

by Emma Shapiro

Anshika Bagla, a third-year Biologist at the College of Creative Studies, spent three weeks on a research vessel in the Gulf of California in fall 2017. Participating in a once-in-a-lifetime undergraduate research opportunity, Bagla was working as the Ocean Science Intern on the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus.

The E/V Nautilus is a research vessel funded by Bob Ballard, a UC Santa Barbara alumnus. From May to November of 2017 the E/V Nautilus had numerous exploration missions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Bagla was the Ocean Science Intern on two of those trips in the Gulf of California, one in the Guaymas Basin and then immediately after in the Pescadero Basin. The primary objective of these research expeditions is, according to the E/V Nautilus’s website, to “explore, locate and describe new habitats, geological processes, cultural sites, and unknown phenomena,” establishing a rich foundation of information to catalyze further scientific efforts.

Over the course of the three weeks that she spent on the research vessel, Bagla was able to do just that on a daily basis. Working in four hour rotating shifts, Bagla’s primary job was recording data from Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that were mapping the seafloor and monitoring everything else in sight. Bagla said: “Whenever observations happened, if a fish swam by or if we moved to start collecting something, I would have to record that in the computer.” Not only was she documenting what the ROVs were seeing, but she also was taking samples and recording the details of every sample for later use by scientists.

In addition to documenting the ROVs’ findings, Bagla was also able to participate in outreach while on the boat. “Whenever the ROVs are in the water there is a live feed going on the website,” said Bagla. “I was able to talk on the chat line, which enabled people to better understand what’s happening.” One of Bagla’s highlights of the trip was assisting with the boat’s Nautilus Live Interactions, which was more outreach based. This is live interaction with a school or group of adults who are interested in the research. As Bagla is passionate about Science communication and outreach, she truly enjoyed being in “an open room where people could come and ask questions.”

Going forward, Bagla hopes to return for future research expeditions on the E/V Nautilus, but next time as a Science Manager in Training.  For now, Bagla continues working at the Research Experience and Education Facility (REEF), part of the UC Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute where she is able to continue to pursue her passion for Marine Science outreach.