The Origin of the Sheila B. and its Role in Marine Science

The creation of the unique research vessel, the⁢ Sheila B., ⁢can be traced back to the mid-1990s when California State University Monterey Bay ‌(CSUMB) was established. As a new member of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) consortium, CSUMB⁤ recognized the need for a high-capacity, shallow draft boat to support ‍marine science research in‍ Elkhorn Slough. This led⁤ to the request‍ for MLML Marine Operations to​ purchase‍ and⁣ maintain a pontoon boat for this purpose. However, Marine Ops personnel ⁢saw ​the opportunity to provide a more robust‌ vessel with a wider range of capabilities.

The Search for the ⁢Perfect ​Vessel

In the summer of 1999, the search ‌for the ideal ⁤vessel began with the‍ brainstorming of bid specifications and market research. The William E. Munson Company ‌emerged as a ⁤reputable builder of durable, customizable workboats and⁤ was chosen for⁤ the project. By August 2000, the‌ contract was signed and ⁣the Sheila B.​ was ⁢delivered ​to MLML ⁣Small Boat Operations in ‍June⁤ 2001.

From Leatherback Sea Turtles to Marine Science Breakthroughs

Around the same time, a former MLML ⁢Vertebrate Ecology lab student and ​their NOAA colleagues approached the team with funding and a mission to study Leatherback Sea Turtles in Monterey Bay. Despite initial challenges, the team successfully captured ‍and tagged ‍a free-ranging Leatherback from the ‍research vessel John H ⁣Martin ‌in September 2000. However, it became clear that the vessel was not⁢ suitable for this task. Undeterred, the team returned with a floating platform and chartered the research vessel Ed Ricketts, a ⁤lobster boat with better waterline access. This experience highlighted the need for a‌ better ​tool and ​techniques.

The Evolution of the Sheila B.

The Sheila B. showed potential for the​ task at hand, but it was not specifically designed ⁣for ‍it. The landing craft design of the vessel allowed for great waterline access, and the NOAA crew and ​MLML Operations staff began​ experimenting with ⁢capture methods specific to the design. Through trial ⁣and error ‌over the next few years, they developed techniques and⁣ made vessel modifications to streamline the process and improve safety for both turtles ​and crew.

Innovative Modifications ⁢for Marine Science Research

One of the key modifications was the ⁣addition of hydraulic ⁢rams to the bow ‌door, designed​ by the⁢ talented and resourceful fabricator, Tom Carr. This provided the necessary stability for the ⁣door during‌ open water ​operations. Tom also designed and installed⁣ a “bow walk” to position science crew members at the front of the vessel ​for net handling ⁤during captures. He also‌ fabricated‌ an a-frame with secondary mount ​points on the center of the⁢ deck, ​allowing ‌for the⁤ lifting ⁢of animals for⁤ weighing. Thanks to financial support‍ and ‍motivation from Upwell, newer ⁤versions of this work have been ⁢further‍ improved⁤ with the installation⁣ of a ⁣deck mount scale for easy measurement of this parameter.

Continuing⁣ to Push the‍ Boundaries⁤ of‍ Marine Science

The Sheila⁤ B. continues to play a crucial role in marine science research, thanks to ‍its unique design and constant evolution. It is ‌a testament to ⁢the ‌dedication and ingenuity of ‍the MLML‍ team and their commitment to providing ​the best tools for the pioneers​ of the ⁣future in marine ‍science.