Field Operations

Research vessel anchored near coastline.
Sanctuary research vessel conducting survey off Big Sur coast. Photo: Steve Lonhart/NOAA

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary relies on a variety of platforms to conduct research, emergency response, enforcement, education, and dive operations. These platforms are owned and operated by NOAA or by others within the region.

research vessel at sea

R/V Fulmar

NOAA’s R/V Fulmar (67 feet) supports sanctuary research, education, and emergency response programs for the West Coast region.

22-foot research vessel on trailer

R/V Tegula

The sanctuary’s R/V Tegula (22 feet) supports biological and oceanographic field work such as scuba diving, deployment and recovery of light oceanographic gear, wildlife monitoring and observation, wildlife disentanglement, and resource protection operations.

Large research vessel in Monterey Bay

NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada

NOAA’s FSV Bell M. Shimada (208.6 feet) supports a wide variety of fisheries and oceanographic research, including marine mammal and forage species surveys at Davidson Seamount.

Three scientists tending scientific equipment on the aft deck of a research vessel.

Regional Research Platforms

Regionally-owned and operated research platforms, including submersibles, large and small vessels, and aircraft are also available for use.

A NOAA diver investigates a hooded nudibranch (Melibe leonina) in a kelp forest.

NOAA Divers

NOAA divers work underwater to further NOAA’s mission of “Science, Service, and Stewardship”.