Fieldwork support
The Marine Science Section (MSS) provides both direct fieldwork support and administrative support for marine research at OIST.
Direct fieldwork
MSS’s marine fieldwork specialists can accompany researchers in the field as a guide, dive buddy, and/or the responsible OIST staff member on-site. Supported fieldwork include:
-
Scuba diving
This includes sample collection (e.g. corals, invertebrates, fish, water, sediment) , photography or videography, and deployment/retrieval of research. As diving is a specialized skill, these requests are prioritized over other fieldwork requests where a substitute participant can be more easily arranged. -
Snorkeling
Similar to diving activities but, where the use of scuba equipment is not necessary or desirable. -
Reef-walking/coastal work
Involves activities such as tidepool surveys/sampling, plankton net deployment, water sampling, and other shore based research. -
Boating
MSS can participate on boat based research as crew or responsible OIST staff member, diving support, sampling, or kayaking. However, it should be noted that due lower level of specialization for tasks, and the higher time demands, boating support is considered lower priority and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. - Basic collections and photography/videography on researcher’s behalf
For researchers unable to dive or participate in fieldwork, MSS can take requests for basic collection, sampling, or photography/videography. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The MSS fieldwork support is primarily offered within Okinawa. Fieldwork requests for support outside of Okinawa, will be considered on a strict case-by-case basis.
Administrative support
The MSS can also assist with administrative support related to fieldwork:
- Preparing and submitting permit applications (e.g., special sampling, port/Coast Guard access)
- Securing agreements with local fishing co-ops.
- Arranging boats for fieldwork
- Advice on shipping samples and equipment.