NOAAs Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Research Vessel
NOAA dedicated a new high-speed research vessel that will ply the waters of the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The vessel will be used primarily for research missions but will also support education, monitoring and emergency response patrols. The vessel has been named the Auk in honor of an extinct seabird that once wintered in these waters. Built by All American Marine of Bellingham, Wash., the 50-foot Auk is a Teknicraft hydrofoil-assisted, aluminum-hulled catamaran powered by Cummins 484 horsepower engines. The vessel operates with a top speed of 28 knots, a cruising speed of 20 knots and has a fuel capacity of 600 gallons. The vessel holds both wet and dry labs, a dive ladder, A-frame and winch. Assisting scientists in their understanding of the ecosystem of the Stellwagen Bank region and key species located within the sanctuary will be a major role for the sanctuary's new vessel. The Auk's shallow draft and stability make it ideal for research cruises in areas with feeding whales, including endangered humpbacks, finbacks and northern right whales. The vessel has the ability to deploy and tow scientific equipment through its 2,000-pound A-frame and knuckle crane. In addition, a dive air system will allow NOAA scientists better access to the underwater environment. For the first time in the sanctuary's history, scientists will have year-round access to the entire site, enabling researchers to better understand seasonal ecosystem dynamics. The vessel operates with a crew of two, and can accommodate a research group of 12 for day trips or four scientists for extended overnight missions. "The versatility of this vessel will allow us to easily switch between research missions that range from scuba diving operations on shallow wrecks to deployment of monitoring gear, such as remotely operated vehicles, in deeper waters," said Craig MacDonald, Stellwagen Bank sanctuary superintendent.
The Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects 648 square nautical miles (842 square miles) of critical marine habitats, including open ocean areas that serve as feeding grounds for endangered whales, deep boulder ridges, sand banks and gravel fields. Historically important for more than 400 years as a fishing ground, the area has gained popularity over the past four decades as a premier whale watching destination. Designated in 1992, the sanctuary is managed by NOAA.
