The Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary's new 62' high-speed Teknicraft catamaran will be used, primarily, as a research platform, conducting biotic and abiotic oceanographic research in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel in Southern California. In addition to this role the vessel will serve as a host for educational field trips and emergency response in and around the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The A-frame and winch configuration are used for a variety of projects including trawls, CTD casts, sediment sampling, and towing equipment such as sidescan sonar and ROVs. The wet and dry labs allow on-board processing of samples and data.
Extensive dive operations are supported by onboard facilities and equipment. Recent efforts within the Sanctuary have emphasized sea bird research, archeological/cultural research (primarily shipwrecks) and collecting baseline data for emerging management issues. On board berthing, stowage, galley and safety equipment allow for multiple-day excursions with crews of up to ten scientists.