A new partner for Erlend
A new partner for Erlend
On the leg from Arendal to Cadiz, the students Erlend Mundal and Erik Furevik were responsible for the scientific instruments on board. Erik disembarked in Cadiz, and up the gangway walked Ragnhild Beck Hestness.
On the next leg south to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, it is Ragnhild's turn to take care of the equipment, take samples, fish, and look for whales, together with Erlend. He did not worry about how it would be to work with the new student. Erlend knows her well - he and Ragnhild are partners and live together.
- I think the collaboration will go well. When I get a little into what is to be done it will probably be finr, when I am not so dependent on him, Ragnhild smiles.
Marine biology
Ragnhild is studying biology and chemistry at the University of Bergen, and will take a master's degree in marine biology, focusing on aquaculture. A voyage on an ocean research vessel is perfect.
- It is very cool to be part of real research. We have done a lot of experiments as students, but only to learn things, not to use the results.
Not planned
It was not planned that Erlend would get Ragnhild as a partner. The student who was to replace Erik had to resign, and Erlend suggested that Ragnhild could take his place. The Institute of Marine Research gave the thumbs up.
- Very cool, I just had to grab that opportunity even if it was very short notice, says Ragnhild.
So short that it was not time for thorough preparations before she travelled to Cadiz.
- I have not quite understood what my duties will be in detail, but I know that we will spend a lot of time in the engine room taking samples, and that we will fish and look for marine mammals.
So it will be Erlend's job to train her. Exactly that was the plan from the very beginning, that the students who muster off teach the new ones. There is a lot that needs to be figured out along the way, and it is important to pass on that experience.
I'll get used to it
Ragnhild has got the hammock up, and has had the first night on board.
- It went very well. A bit cramped and not very comfortable, but I think I'll get used to it, she says.
Life on the sea is new to Ragnhild, and she looks forward to to be under sail, and learn about how a sailing ship works.
- And to be out on the open sea. I have heard that there are very nice sunsets, she says.
There is only one cloud at the horizon - Ragnhild has been seasick on ferries. She hopes Erlend can take care of the instruments in the engine room in the beginning.
- It is probably smart that I stay on deck the first few days, and fish in the fresh air.
