The Glacier Bay Research Vessel Quillback
It is not hard to see how the Glacier Bay Field Station Research Vessel
got its name. A confusing array of protuburances allow R/V Quillback
to preform a wide range of research functions for a vessel of its size
(38 feet). The device on the bow is a hydrophone which is used to
track marine species which have a implanted or attached sonic tag giving
out a unique coded id. It has both forward and downward facing hydrophones
and can be lowered to a depth of two meters and revolves 360 degrees.
Besides tracking animals (both above and below the water) the vessel has
been used to long-line for halibut and ground fish, tow nets for small-schooling
fish, preform oceanographic surveys, tow a side-scan sonar, deploy divers
of the removable stern, deploy crab samping pots and rings and preform
numerous other research functions. Quillback, officially known as
MMS 1273, is on long-term loan through the generous efforts of the Minerals
Management Service. The boat is captained by
Jim
de La Bruere.
R/V Quillback was returned
to Minerals Management Service in early 1998 due to their need to conduct
research in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The Alaska Science Center - Biological
Science Office purchased a used fishing vessel to replace the Quillback. This 52-foot
vessel greatly increases the Field Station's ability to conduct marine
research year-round in Southeast Alaska.
Photo by John Brooks.