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The remote location, depths and complexities of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary make it necessary for researchers to use a wide variety of vessels, tools, and technology to research, explore, monitor and manage this ocean treasure. Scientists employ 'tried and true' methods as well as cutting edge technology. Some of the vessels and tools that scientists use to study the environment of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary are listed on this page.

Credit: Kip Evans

In 2001, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary purchased the 33í R/V C. magister, which is homeported at Bodega Bay, CA. The vessel is used for a variety of missions, but the primary use has been as a platform for Cordell Bankís Ocean Monitoring Program, which is conducted on a monthly basis. The C. magister offers a flying bridge for bird and mammal observations, and an oceanographic winch, A-frame, and davit for various light-duty mission tasks. Scientific instruments aboard the C. magister include a thermosalinograph and fluorometer for continuous underway observations (salinity, temperature, chlorophyll-a) and an EK60 scientific echosounder (continuous measurements of relative abundance of zooplankton). When the mission is more demanding or the weather is rougher, the Sanctuary relies on the larger more stable catamaran R/V Fulmar.

Credit: Paul Chetirken, MBNMS

The National Marine Sanctuary Program's new 67-foot R/V Fulmar will be used to greatly expand and enhance research, education and emergency response programs for the west coast region. The vessel is homeported at the Monterey Harbor in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and also serves the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.

Credit: NOAA

The NOAA ship McArthur II conducts oceanographic research and assessments, throughout the eastern Pacific, including the U.S. West Coast, Central and South America. The McARTHUR II is involved in studies in several of the National Marine Sanctuaries on the west coast of the United States. The 224-foot ship engages in measurements of chemical, meteorological, and biological sampling for several large scale programs within NOAA. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary often uses the McArthur II to conduct operations that are more feasible from a larger vessel.

Credit: Michael Carver, CBNMS

Manned submersibles can be used to explore the depths of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary to characterize benthic habitats and communities and monitor benthic populations of fish and invertebrates. Submersibles can also be used to investigate cultural resources and document abundance and distribution of marine debris on the seafloor. Advantages of using a manned submersible include: deep diving capabilities, maneuverability, and high quality video. Disadvantages include: limited dive duration, cost and vessel support.

Credit: Jennifer Stock/CBNMS

A towed camera sled is one tool that is used to study benthic habitats and communities within the Sanctuary. Projects using a camera sled center around the themes of benthic habitat and community characterization, ground-truthing of sonar seafloor mapping data, and video mapping of debris and submerged cultural resources. Along with the other central California National Marine Sanctuaries, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary owns a towed camera sled with a working depth capability of 200m. Advantages of using the towed camera sled include: inexpensive operation, relatively long dive duration compared to manned submersibles, and direct video connection with the vessel for real-time data collection. Disadvantages include: the potential for entanglement and damage to the vehicle in areas of high habitat relief and complexity, limited maneuverability, and depth limitation due to the length of cable.