Burger launches research vessel for Great Lakes

SEPTEMBER 8, 2014—Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, WI, recently launched the 78 ft research vessel Arcticus for the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Arcticus replaces the 38-year-old R/V Grayling bringing the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) large vessel fleet up-to-date. The Arcticus will be stationed at the USGS base in Cheboygan, MI, and incorporates modern marine standards and state-of-the-art technology to more safely and effectively conduct fisheries research.

The Arcticus was designed and constructed for a 40- to 50-year service life and is capable of performing critical scientific and mission-related tasks including trawling, gill netting, and using sound-waves to detect fish and assess their abundance.

Naval architectural firm JMS Naval Architects, Mystic, CT, developed the preliminary design of the Arcticus.

For over 50 years the USGS GLSC has operated a unique and valuable deep-water fish ecology and assessment program that is the foundation for fisheries management throughout the Great Lakes.