Research Vessel Sea Explorer

Click here to download our RV Sea Explorer handout (PDF -- 428KB).

About the R/V Sea Explorer

The Ocean Institute is a nationally recognized non-profit, educational facility specializing in marine and environmental science and maritime history. The Ocean Institute operates the 70-foot R/V Sea Explorer, a marine educational vessel with a research component that is dedicated to environmental education.

As an educational platform the vessel is ideal. This floating lab is equipped with onboard computers, satellite technology, touch tanks, viewing aquariums, video microscopes, and state of the art electronics. A bowsprit over the water provides students with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales and sea lions.

Research conducted aboard the vessel becomes a curriculum piece and is included in educational programming to over 15,000 students a year. There is no more unique and poignant learning opportunity for students in grades 5 through college than to participate in authentic statewide research cooperatives. These cooperatives are research projects that involve several organizations working together on geographically large-scale projects. Our research/educational cooperatives include projects with SCCWRP and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Several times a week the R/V Sea Explorer trawls the sea floor with a special net called an otter trawl net. Once the fish are aboard, students identify, count and measure each fish, enter the data into an onboard computer and then e-mail the data to a central computer at SCCWRP. Other agencies from around the state participate in this project. This study looks at regional trends of benthic (bottom) fish populations along the coast of California.

The R/V Sea Explorer participates in a chlorophyll/ productivity project headed by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Water samples collected off Dana Point are processed and sent to Scripps for analysis. Chlorophyll reflects the total mass of phytoplankton (drifting plants). These plants are at the bottom of the food chain and so an accurate measurement of these critters reflects the well being of all the animals in the area.

The R/V Sea Explorer works with the State of California monitoring blooms of plankton that might be dangerous to human populations. Some plankton produce a biotoxin that can be fatal if ingested. R/V Sea Explorer is part of this statewide program.

In addition we offer exciting programs to the public including educational programs that use oceanographic equipment to sample and examine sea floor sediment and the animals that live there. Other cruises include our Bioluminescence Cruise. Held at night during the new moon--it's darkest then, this trip highlights animals and plants that glow in the dark. During the gray whale migration we offer a marine mammal cruise. For more information go to the public program page.