ABOUT PROJECT OCEANOLOGY
AND HARBOR EXPLORATIONS

Founded in 1972, Project Oceanology is operated by a non-profit association of public and private schools and colleges in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Project Oceanology enables more than 20,000 students and adults each year to learn about the ocean through first-hand, on-the- water experiences.

Project Oceanology conducts on-the-water, shoreline and laboratory programs for students, teachers and the general public. We also produce books, audiovisual and other curriculum materials. Our three volume guide to marine studies, Investigating the Marine Environment, is used by schools and colleges throughout the world.

Harbor Explorations, a collaborative of the University of Massachusetts/Boston and Project Oceanology, serves schools and colleges throughout Massachusetts.

A STUDY CRUISE ON ENVIRO-LAB

Step aboard Enviro-lab for a 2l/2 hour oceanographic expedition. With the guidance of our experienced instructors, you will use nets and other scientific instruments to make first-hand discoveries about the marine environment.

Help pull a trawl net, identifying and recording the catch of lobsters, crabs, fish and other marine life. Observe the rich diversity of plants and animals in the sea and the ways these creatures have adapted to this environment.

Collect plankton with a special net. Examine these tiny organisms under a microscope and find out why they are the basic food supply in the ocean. Use a water sampler to obtain seawater from different depths. Test the water for its physical and chemical properties, such as density, clarity, salinity, and dissolved oxygen content. Learn about the causes and effects of water pollution.

Collect mud and sand samples from the ocean bottom with a gravity corer. Learn about the geological history of the ocean. In the wheelhouse, the captain will help you use nautical charts and electronic navigation instruments to study the geography of the area and to determine the boat's precise location.

While underway, observe the beauty of offshore lighthouses and islands, and the work of fishing boats, naval vessels and ships of all kinds. Learn how these maritime activities have played a major role in the history and economic vitality of this region. Using the same methods as marine biologists and oceanographers, you will measure and record the biological, geological, chemical and physical characteristics of the ocean. These data will be entered into a computer data base for analysis and study. Our instructors will explain why the information you collect is important to our knowledge of the world's greatest natural resource.

After the trip, take your data and experiences back to the classroom for further discussion and study. Return home with a deeper understanding for the value of marine resources and the need to protect them.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

During the school year, teachers can bring their classes on board Enviro-lab. Our programs are suita- ble for students in grades 4-12 and in college courses. Relevant subjects include the sciences, social studies, geography, art, history, literature, math, home eco- nomics, and others.

During the summer, Enviro-lab cruises are open to individuals, families and the general public. Throughout the year, programs are conducted for civic and environmental organizations, scouts and many other groups such as senior citizens, camps, teachers, professional associations, conferences, and corporate employees.

ENVIRO-LAB

Project Oceanology operates two boats, the 55' Enviro-lab II and the 65' Enviro-lab III. Both are Coast Guard certificated. These modern fiberglass research vessels are fully outfitted with the latest navigation, safety and scientific equipment. They normally oper- ate with a maximum of 50 passengers. The boats are comfortable and safe. Classrooms are enclosed and heated.

The homeports of Enviro-lab II and III are Groton and Boston. These boats also depart from many other ports in New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut to conduct programs throughout Long Island Sound, Massachusetts Bay, Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay.

STAFF

Enviro-lab's