The University of Miami will operate the R/Vs ISELIN and CALANUS during 1993 as general oceanographic vessels in support of NSF- sponsored research projects. The R/V ISELIN is a 170' general research vessel owned and constructed by the University of Miami. Although the vessel is capable of world-wide oceanography it sails mainly in the Atlantic. In 1993 it will work off the northeast coast of the U.S. from April until July. The ISELIN will do two cruises off Bermuda in July, followed by two in the Bahamas and Caribbean in August and September. The final cruise will be in October and November off the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific. The R/V CALANUS is a 68' general research vessel owned by the University of Miami. The Calanus normally sails off the coast of Florida on short cruises. In 1993 Calanus will do a series of short cruises interspersed with two cruises in the Bahamas and one in the Gulf of Mexico. These vessels are part of a fleet used by NSF to support oceanographic research. Most oceanographic research requires highly specialized equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship for which the ship must be specifically designed. This equipment also requires highly trained crew members for maintenance and operation. These vessels do not operate in the same manner as general cargo or fishing vessels, therefore NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research that are operated by universities and research institutions and around the country.
