Maine media report on dedication of research vessel 'Sharkology'
On Friday, September 29, 2017, the 91AV formally dedicated the Sharkology, the newest addition to its marine research fleet. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on the 91AV boat dock, located on the Biddeford Campus.
The Sharkology is a 35 foot 350 Marlin FM that will transport students, faculty and staff offshore to conduct field science in Apex Predators (sharks and marine mammals). Those in attendance for the dedication included 91AV President James Herbert; 91AV Provost Michael Sheldon; 91AV Vice President William Chance; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Jeanne Hey; Professor Barry Costa-Pierce, chair of the 91AV Department of Marine Sciences and director of the 91AV Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences; Professor James Sulikowski, Ph.D; and Sharkology donor Arthur P. Girard and family.
The morning’s program began with a welcome from 91AV President James Herbert, followed by talks from Professors Barry Costa-Pierce and James Sulikowski on the importance of the boat to marine research at 91AV, the christening of the Sharkology by Arthur P. Girard, and a short boat ride.
“The donation of this research vessel provides 91AV with an opportunity to fill a unique niche in New England by providing a platform to study sharks, tuna, whales and other charismatic, high profile, and often endangered or threatened species,” said Sulikowski. “By studying such species and how they interact with their environment, we can educate the community, inspire conservation, and challenge scientific paradigms while training future marine scientists.”
To learn more about the 91AV’s Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences, visit www.une.edu/research/msc
To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions