Platforms for Collaboration

To understand the conditions within the National Marine Sanctuary System, researchers have to get on the water. That's where the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries' Small Boat Program comes in. More than 45 vessels support marine archaeology, seafloor mapping, oceanographic sampling, damage assessment, education and outreach, and other activities. These boats get sanctuary staff into the field and ensure that partners can conduct research in sanctuaries, too – more than 100 universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies rely on the boats of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

R/V Fulmar, Monterey Bay NMS. Photo: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

R/V Agassiz, Florida Keys NMS. Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA

R/V Manumā, NMS of American Samoa. Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA

R/V Malolo, Papahānaumokuākea MNM. Photo: J. Leonard/NOAA