Ferry Being Used for Research

According to reports, a ferry that travels several times daily between Woods Hole and Martha's Vineyard is now doubling as a research vessel that measures water quality and photographs plankton on its trips. Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution fitted the 235-ft. Katama with sensors that measure water temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll and water clarity, the Cape Cod Times reported. The sensors also photograph the plankton 30 times per second. The Nantucket Sound Ferry Scientific Environmental Monitoring System began in May. Scott Gallager, a biologist at Woods Hole, said the results will be studied over many years to better understand how water quality and ocean life change in Nantucket Sound, which hosts a diverse mix marine line. Gallager said ferries are perfect for the monitoring because they make several trips daily, year-round. Scientists are planning to mount similar sensors on another ferry, the Eagle, which travels between Hyannis and Nantucket. The sensors cost $18,000, can fit in a suitcase and are placed in a cavity in the ship's hull. They have no effect on the ship's operation. Source: AP