The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency dedicated to conserving aquatic ecosystems and resources while keeping the public informed. NOAA consists of researchers, scientists, technicians and more. The NOAA mission is to further understand and protect natural environments and environmental challenges through science centers, vessels, satellites and laboratories worldwide.

Located in Woods Hole Massachusetts, The NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center is focused on protected species research and the relationship between marine environments and human interest. Researchers and scientists at NOAA Northeast Fisheries are dedicated to preserving many endangered species specifically right whales and sea turtles.

Silver Ships custom-built the most recent NOAA Vessel, an Ambar 6 meter (AM600), designed specifically to operate from NOAA oceangoing ships. The NOAA vessel will be used to further NOAA’s research of sea turtles and various whale species.

The NOAA vessel will operate offshore and deploy from a larger NOAA ship allowing scientists and researchers to collect accurate data. The vessel allows researchers to closely monitor marine life and provides mission-specific equipment to make research practices such as biopsy darting whales and turtle tagging safely and efficiently.

Lisa Cogner, NOAA Research Fish Biologist, has 25 years of research experience and specializes in the conservation and protection research of right whales. With NOAA, she is dedicated to preserving many different species, but right whales are a high priority as they are critically endangered. “Now that we have the boat, we might be able to expand our research further,” Lisa states.

NOAA has contributed to more than 3,600 environmental projects, and Silver Ships is thrilled to be able to assist such an amazing team who works daily to support and protect our environment, helping to create a gateway for even more research to be gathered. Watch our recent video, as Lisa Conger discusses NOAA research efforts and why these efforts are not only important, but necessary.