Stimpson's Saucy Sea Slugs: The Scandalous Voyage of the USS Hassler

On August 20, 1868, the most peculiar scientific expedition set sail from San Francisco aboard the USS Hassler, led by the eccentric marine biologist and naturalist William Stimpson. What made this voyage extraordinary was Stimpson's audacious mission to conduct the first comprehensive marine biological survey of the Pacific Coast, a task that would challenge the maritime conventions of the era.

Equipped with cutting-edge (for the time) scientific instruments and an insatiable curiosity, Stimpson and his crew meticulously documented marine life along the California, Oregon, and Washington coastlines. His methodology was revolutionary: instead of merely collecting specimens, he created detailed ecological maps and behavioral observations that would fundamentally transform marine science.

During the expedition, Stimpson discovered several previously unknown species, including a bizarre deep-sea nudibranch (sea slug) that would later be named after him. His documentation was so precise that it became a cornerstone reference for marine biologists for decades, essentially creating a baseline understanding of Pacific coastal ecosystems that scientists would use well into the 20th century.

The voyage was fraught with challenges—treacherous coastal waters, limited technology, and the constant threat of maritime disasters—yet Stimpson's meticulous nature and unwavering scientific dedication prevailed, making the USS Hassler's expedition a landmark moment in marine research.