Late this morning the science/observer party from the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) arrived at the Port of Duba to join their colleagues from HCMR on the R/V Aegaeo.  Accompanying the NCEC contingent (of Taha Boksmati, Ahmed Al-Harbi, and Hammad Al-Sulami) was program manager, Jim Churchill, freshly recovered from Boston-Jeddah-induced jet lag. 

After a hearty lunch, the full science crew, joined by the Aegaeo’s captain, assembled on the front deck for a group photo.

The afternoon and early evening were devoted to honing the surveillance plan and to the pursuit of the one last permit needed for sailing.  All fingers are crossed that the permit will arrive in time for sailing early tomorrow morning.