Coral research vessel
The coral research vessel is seen in front of Fort Jefferson at the
Dry Tortugas National Park. The Coral Reef/Hardbottom Monitoring
Project uses this vessel to conduct most of FWC's coral reef
monitoring efforts. The R/V Tortugas was named in honor of the
coral research and camaraderie of the scientists who worked there
in the 1970's and 1980's. The vessel is a 37 foot 1979 Stapleton,
substantially modified from her original pleasure boat
configuration. She carries a crew of 6-9 staff, 18 scuba tanks, a
scuba compressor to fill the tanks and coral sampling gear at a
hair-whipping 18 knots!
Image Credit: FWC
Persons with Disabilities