New Addition to the NSU Research Fleet at the Oceanographic Center

The Oceanographic Center (OC) has acquired a previously owned 29-foot Phoenix twin diesel vessel for use in research monitoring to fulfill its role in the upcoming Broward County beach renourishment project. The 1978 vessel is in good working condition and will be employed immediately. Richard Dodge, Ph.D., OC dean, was on the dock to greet its arrival, along with the project’s manager, David Gilliam, Ph.D.

NSUOC scientists are the designated biological monitors for the project. Researchers will monitor 34 offshore sites each week for signs of sedimentation and coral stress. Should levels exceed certain experimentally predetermined thresholds, dredging within the vicinity will cease until the reef animals can recover. The newly acquired vessel will be used by teams of four scuba divers for underwater observations, collections, and photography. The initial phases of this project have begun. Actual dredging by the county’s contractor is expected to start in April.

Special thanks to Lance Robinson, Peggy Oellrich, George Hanbury, Joel Berman, Jeff Lowe, Cherrie Gooden, Shirley Naidoo, and Dave Gilliam for their assistance in acquiring the vessel.

(Photo) Capt. Lance Robinson, with Brian Buskerk on the bow, maneuvers the newly acquired research vessel into the Oceanographic Center’s boat basin.

(Photo L to R) M.S. student and assistant harbor master, Brian Buskerk, Capt. Lance Robinson, Dan Fahy, M.S. student Joanna Walczak, and project manager, Dave Gilliam, Ph.D.