Research Fleet

resarch fleet flagsThe UMCES Research Fleet is the backbone of the Center’s coastal science research programs, providing scientists with access to the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. Home-ported at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, the research fleet consists of 16 vessels stationed at CBL and the Horn Point Laboratory.

Christened in November 2008, the R/V Rachel Carson is the flagship of the UMCES fleet. The 81-foot Rachel Carson can be rigged to support a wide variety of estuarine and near-coastal oceanographic research projects, including dredging, trawling, coring, water quality observations, plankton sampling, and buoy deployment. The Carson’s shallow draft, speed, maneuverability, general configuration and versatility make her well-suited for the varied conditions and problems encountered in estuarine and near-coastal research.

Learn more about the R/V Rachel Carson:

Additional information regarding specific projects, or inquiries concerning shiptime, scheduling, or equipment can be obtained by contacting:

Bruce K. Cornwall, Marine Superintendent
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Research Fleet Operations
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
1 Williams Street, P.O. Box 38
Solomons, MD 20688-0038

Phone: 410-326-7358
Fax: 410-326-7342

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