The University’s research ship Endeavor departed for the Sargasso Sea on its 500th cruise on Oct. 12, with a team of scientists and students to study plankton, Gulf Stream currents, and ocean pollutants. The media took notice and showed up for the celebratory send-off at the Bay Campus dock. Stories appeared on Channel 10, Channel 12, Channel 6, USA Today, the Providence Journal, Boston Globe, South County Independent, and other regional media.