ANACOTES — Congressman Rick Larsen visited Western Washington University’s ocean research facility on Thursday, Oct. 3, in an effort to secure federal funding for a new research vessel at Western Washington University.
Earlier this year, Larsen requested $42.4 million for 15 community projects, and in July the bill included $1.18 million for Western’s new research vessel, 79% of the total amount requested. corresponds to The bill passed the House Appropriations Committee but has not yet received a vote in the House.
On Thursday, Larsen visited Western’s Shannon Point Marine Research Facility and toured Western’s existing research vessel at Skyline Marine Center.
The requested funding would ideally include bunk beds to enable multi-day research trips, and a Coast Guard inspection to allow the university and its partners to invite guests and K-12 students onboard the ship. The funds will be used to purchase a larger ship, staff said. Thursday. Only scientists and scientists-in-training are permitted aboard Western’s existing vessels.
Capt. Nathan Schwark said Western’s vessels have limited capacity, with 11 to 12 passengers. He said he wants to serve larger classes, more classes.
“I often ask senior environmental science students, have you ever participated? And most of them are like, ‘No, this is my first time,'” Schwarck said. .
Marine and Coastal Science Engineer Mila Ratz highlighted the advantages of the new vessels in terms of retention rates. Without the opportunity to do research on water, some young undergraduates may take difficult and difficult classes and become discouraged, causing them to lose motivation to pursue ocean research before college even begins, she said. . Finished 4 years.
“With increased capacity, we will be able to take more classes earlier in the program and reach more students from marginalized communities…” Lutz said. “For me, I think it is very important to go out and experience the joy of research.”
Researchers from the Western Washington University research vessel Magister work on a buoy in Bellingham Bay in August. (Haley Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)
Certain equipment used by researchers is not well supported by existing vessels. For example, Lutz said Western researchers have side-scan sonar technology, and the new ship will make mapping the ocean floor much easier.
Dr. Sylvia Yang, program affiliate faculty member and research coordinator at Padilla Bay, conducts eelgrass research. He said the new vessel, built to certain specifications for eelgrass conservation and restoration, will allow for better research and the ability to share data with partners across the state.
Derek Smith, lab manager and research assistant professor, said there are currently no vessels in the region that can be used by vessels built to these specifications by Western and its partners. If funding were available, Western would be able to offer it to researchers.
Charlotte Alden is a general assignment/corporate reporter at CDN. Please contact charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com. 360-922-3090 extension 123.
