Annapolis, Md. (November 16, 2008) – Leaders from Maryland’s academic, scientific and public policy communities welcomed the Research Vessel Rachel Carson as the flagship of the Chesapeake Bay research fleet. The 81-foot, $4.6 million University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) research vessel expands scientists’ abilities to track the pulse of the Chesapeake Bay and pays homage to one of our nation’s environmental pioneers.

Christened by First Lady Katie O’Malley Saturday at Annapolis’ City Dock, R/V Rachel Carson is a state-of-the art research platform specifically tailored to the needs of Chesapeake Bay scientists. Designed from the ground-up, Rachel Carson is large enough to transport research teams up and down the Bay’s entire 184-mile length, yet runs shallow enough to allow scientists access to the smallest of critical Bay tributaries.

 “It’s an honor to christen the state’s newest research vessel after a distinguished Maryland resident who introduced our nation to its environmental conscience,” said First Lady Katie O’Malley. “What better way to honor a visionary of the past than by carrying her name forward in researching ways to better protect our environmental future.”

“Understanding how the Chesapeake Bay functions and monitoring its health are critical to accelerating the restoration of our State’s greatest resource,” said UMCES President Donald Boesch. “The more we understand about the intricate workings of this complex ecosystem, the better management advice our scientists can provide policymakers guiding the Bay cleanup effort.”

In addition to her shallow draft, the Rachel Carson is specifically designed to provide a solid foundation for decades of service to UMCES scientists. She is powered by twin 1,200 horsepower diesel engines paired with jet outdrives that allow her to move at a speedy 24 knots. A state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system allows the vessel to “hover” motionless over one spot regardless of wind and current. A trio of powerful winches allows scientists to launch and retrieve multiple buoys and sampling devices over the side or stern. Built-in electronic sensors will continuously measure the Bay’s water quality, biology and currents whether underway or on station.

The Rachel Carson is named in honor of the world renowned marine biologist and nature writer who wrote her most influential books while a resident of Maryland. Born in Pennsylvania, Ms. Carson received her master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University, taught at the University of Maryland and was a writer for federal fisheries agencies in Washington. She wrote articles about the Chesapeake Bay and the best-seller, The Sea Around Us, which inspired a generation of marine scientists. Ms. Carson is best known for her book Silent Spring, which is credited as being a “wake-up call” for environmental concerns in the United States.

Ms. Carson has been commemorated in many ways including a postage stamp, wildlife refuge and middle school, but the Research Vessel Rachel Carson marks the first time she has been formally recognized by the State of Maryland.

The vessel will replace the aging R/V Aquarius which has ably served Bay scientists since 1972. The Carson begins service in early 2009 and is stationed at the UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is the University System of Maryland’s premier environmental research institution. UMCES researchers are helping improve our scientific understanding of Maryland, the region and the world through its three laboratories, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, and Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, as well as the Maryland Sea Grant College.

CONTACT:
Chris Conner
443-496-0095