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The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's new 62' high-speed
Teknicraft catamaran is 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 serves 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.
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