The IEP Operations Program executes nine or more different surveys and studies each year. In order to complete this work we use 10 or more different boats, travel about 20,000 nautical miles, and spend thousands of hours on the water in all types of weather. Field crews use many different types of gear to collect then chemically preserve over 3,500 samples per year. Technical staff then process those samples in our laboratories. Safety is our top priority, both in the field and in the lab. Our bibliography includes protocols and training plans that we use to help keep crews safe.