Date: Wed, 04 Sep 96 14:22


**R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER**  On 3 September, 1996 at 0000 GMT
the ship's position was Lat. 54-17 South & Long. 173-45 West.
Temp. 5.1 C. Barometric Pressure 1021.7, Winds from the West
at 15-18 kts, Sea-Ice , none. They have reached the first waypoint
in the JGOFS Site Survey Area. The first Drifter buoy will be deployed
soon.
During the first few days out of Lyttleton, the weather was bad 
with "25-35" ft. seas. From the vessels last report weather conditions 
were improving. With the improved sea state they are seeing an 
improvement in data quality.
The Multibeam, Bathy 2000, and Gravity data look good.
They have conducted a CTD cast, deployment went well, and the reports
from the ship indicate the system worked very well.
The ship began collecting Multibeam data 200 miles from the New
Zealand coast. A SEABEAM Company Rep. is aboard to assist with technical
operations and thirteen ping editors have been trained to maintain
data quality control.

**INCUBATOR SYSTEM**  With a tremendous effort by Mike Hiscock (Richard
Barber's Group) in the design of the closed loop incubator system, the 
components are on their way to New Zealand. ASA will assemble this system
during the port call, Sept. 23-28th. Approx. 25 incubators will be 
plumbed into this closed loop system.

**EXTREME COLD WEATHER CLOTHING** The following is a list of ECW gear
that will be issued to JGOFS personnel in Christchurch for use aboard 
the vessel.

Bag, clothing , orange
Balaclava, polar fleece or wool
Boots, rubber thermal
Cap, yazoo
Gaiter, neck, polar fleece
Glove, leather w/ thinsulate lining
Glove, rubberized
Hat, pile knit
Jacket, polar fleece
Jacket, wind
Liner, glove
Mittens
Pants, polar fleece
Pants, Wind bibbed
Parka, red
Socks, tube, wool

**Load Plan** ASA logistics and marine science personnel
have been working up a load plan for the port call, Sept. 23-28th.
We have compiled extensive cargo lists of material to be loaded
in the Port of Lyttleton for the PROCESS I and MOORING CRUISE.
Additional ASA personnel will be sent to New Zealand to assist
in this effort.

In an effort to keep all of you informed, I will be sending
out progress reports which will outline vessel issues,
general information, and other details which may be of interest.

Thank you,

Sincerely,
Jon Alberts