NOAA to Christen New Research Vessel

NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary will christen its new research vessel on May 12. The R/V Shearwater, a 62 ft., high-speed Teknicraft aluminum-hull catamaran research vessel is the first research vessel built specifically for sanctuary use. The vessel's onboard facilities and equipment can support extensive research and scuba dive operations such as marine mammal and seabird research, archeological/cultural research and collecting data for emerging management issues. Local Dignitaries are expected to be hand including, Congresswoman Lois Capps Frank Kelly, Santa Barbara Harbor Commissioner Captain Ted I. Lillestolen (NOAA Corps), associate deputy assistant administrator for NOAA's National Ocean Service, Daniel J. Basta, director, National Marine Sanctuary Program and Chris Mobley, manager, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.