Captain George Silva Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution R/V Atlantis, Voyage #8 Woods Hole, MA 02543 Dear Captain Silva: On or about 11 July 2003, your vessel being ready for sea and weather permitting, you will depart Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on Voyage #8. Upon completion of the science activities the vessel shall return to Woods Hole on 19 July 2003. The main scientific research objective is to develop an understanding of coral and other species biodiversity patterns on the New England Seamounts using video transects, photography, and specimen collection. Science activities planned include Submersible Operations, Seabeam and rock dredges. The operations area will be the New England Seamounts centered on the Manning, Kelvin and Bear Seamounts. Scientific marine research within the exclusive economic zone of any foreign nation is strictly prohibited. The scientific personnel participating on this voyage under the direction of Dr. Leslie Edward Watling, Chief Scientist are: R/V Atlantis Voyage #8 11 July 2003 – 19 July 2003 Woods Hole, MA – Woods Hole, MA Dr. Leslie Edward Watling, Chief Scientist, University of Maine Dr. Ivar Babb, University of Connecticut Dr. Scott Charles France, College of Charleston Mr. Mercer Robert Brugler, College of Charleston Mr. David Sims, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Mr. John J. Akens, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ms. Catalina Martinez, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Ms. Laura Rear, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Mr. John Paul Tolson, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Mr. Nicholas Forfinski, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Ms. Maya Anne Crosby, University of Maine, Darling Marine Center/Lincoln Academy Ms. Betsy Grannis, University of Maine, Darling Marine Center Ms. Anne Simpson, University of Maine, Darling Marine Center Dr. Peter Jay Auster, University of Connecticut Ms. Diana L. Payne, University of Connecticut Mr. Kevin Strychar, University of Connecticut Mr. Joseph Kevin Haberstroh, Newsday Mr. Pasquale Leonard Frisketti, Hamden High School, Hamden, Connecticut Dr. Jon Alistair Moore, Florida Atlantic University Mr. David Aram Malakoff, Science Magazine Ms. Melissa Ryan, Ocean Technology Foundation Ms. Mary Jane Brush, University of Connecticut Ms. Elizabeth Shea, Bryn Mawr College Mr. David Lawrence Forest, University of Maine Please note: At the completion of this voyage, both the Captain and Chief Scientist should fill out a Post-Cruise Assessment form. The form is on-line at the following web site: http://www.gso.uri.edu/unols/pcarform.htm Please advise the Port Office of all personnel changes prior to departure and maintain the daily schedule with KXC713 on S.S.B. or via satellite on assigned frequencies, and submit to the Port Office at radio contact on Mondays and Thursdays a situation report from the Master and Chief Scientist. Please advise the Port Office of all significant expenses incurred, particularly the quantity, price and source of fuel oil. Also, at each port stop, please advise the Port Office the gallons of fuel on board, stating the date the inventory was taken. I wish you a pleasant and successful voyage. Very truly yours, Approved and Signed by Robert B. Gagosian President and Director