9701186 Barnes The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) will operate the R/V URRAC'A during 1997 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF-sponsored research projects. The URRAC'A is a 96' general research vessel operated by STRI. The vessel is scheduled for 128 operating days in 1997, of which 33 days are in support of NSF-sponsored programs. The ship operates primarily in the coastal waters of the Panama Canal zone, including the Caribbean and Pacific. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research projects. Most oceanographic research projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from a ship's crew members. An increasing number of research projects require equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship and for which the ship must be specifically designed. Such 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, and therefore, NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research. These vessels are operated by universities and research institutions around the country.
