An Atlantic cod swims by a capstan on the wreck of the steamship Portland. Photo: WHOI/NOAA
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary has undertaken a variety of expeditions, multi-day missions, and special projects over the years. The galleries included here display photos from those research cruises.
2019-2020 Mission to the Portland and a Mystery Collier with WHOI
In 2019 and 2020, the sanctuary teamed with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Imaging Technologies to explore the wreck of the steamship Portland and a mystery collier in a series of live, telepresence programs. Despite poor sea conditions, a number of fascinating images were recorded both years.
A cusk swims next to a telescope, which now rests on coal and timbers from the wreck of a mystery collier in the sanctuary. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
Lost nets, lines, and other fishing gear drape sections of the Portland shipwreck. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
Redfish and cod explore a warming table and its set of dishes in what was once the ladies salon at the stern of Portland. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
Anemones find suitable attachment points on the wreck of the steamship Portland among cups and other galley items. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
The hull of the mystery collier, sheathed in copper, shows little marine life growth -- a testament to this “anti-fouling” technique. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
The Portland’s auxiliary anchor now provides a solid base to which sponges and other marine animals have anchored themselves. Photo: NOAA/WHOI/MITech
