Texas A&M University proposes to operate the research vessel (R/V) GYRE for a total of 280 days in 1987. However, the anticipated demand for shiptime aboard GYRE did not materialize and the total use of GYRE in support of NSF projects is not expected to exceed 57 days in 1987. All of the proposed legs are in support of NSF projects funded through the Division of Ocean Sciences. Principal investigators using this ship are all from Texas A&M University. The primary use of the ship will be for physical oceanography. R/V GYRE is an appropriate vessel for the proposed operations, and the marine operations staff at Texas A&M University, including a new marine superintendent, are fully capable of carrying out the work that has been proposed Due to the variable nature of ship operations and associated costs, program has found that single year grants to not provide maximum efficiency of management. Three-year continuing grants allow for better long-range planning and adjustments to major changes in operating schedules due to breakdowns, cancellations, and other factors impacting on subsequent years. Therefore program recommends that this FY 1987 award be processed as the first year of a three-year continuing grant.
