The
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary christened its newest
addition, the 50-foot Research Vessel Auk on August 22
at the sanctuary boathouse on Scituate Harbor. The vessel will
be used for a variety of research projects, as well as for emergency
response, enforcement, and education/outreach missions. The
catamaran, with its two-hulls, provides a stable platform that
maximizes deck space while providing room for wet and dry laboratories
and berthing areas for overnight cruises. A flying bridge offers
better opportunities for marine mammal observations, and winches,
an A-frame and dive ladders will accommodate various mission
tasks. The sanctuary also operates the 28-foot Gannet,
formerly used by the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
as a whale research vessel.
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