Conducting fish research often requires the right vessel for the job. Dr. Brad Erisman’s work on spawning aggregations is dependent on the ability to go far offshore in search of these massive and picturesque spawning aggregations.

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute has an offshore research vessel (R/V Pursuit), but needs to be retrofitted to meet the demands of offshore use. The Pursuit is a 30-foot offshore boat with two 250-HP engines, walk thru transom, dive platform, cabin and head. It currently needs two new 250-HP engines, new electronics (such as radar, VHF radio, etcetera), and canvas side curtains.

Cost estimate for retrofitting is $60,000 and for an entirely new vessel is approximately $250,000.