The Hudson River and NY NJ estuary has seen great successes over the past decades including a dramatic reduction in fecal coliform bacteria concentration, reintroduction of 20,000,000 oysters and increased accessibility and use of the waterfront. One of our goals is to maintain the momentum and success brought about by these hardworking and dedicated people before us. The solution is to create the next generation of Hudson River stewards and citizen scientists. This starts in our schools. It is estimated that only 30% of our schoolchildren in the five boroughs have visited our waters’ edge, let alone have had the experiences to understand the delicate balance of life existing below the surface. We need to get these children, our future protectors of our NYC wilderness, to the water. No, on the water.
BioBoat is determined to do just this. In participation with the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRI@JB), we are dedicated to reach all students. Especially those in underrepresented communities who would unlikely have the ability or resources to get their hands wet and do real science. In 2015, SRI@JB was awarded a grant to build a 63’ diesel-electric hybrid catamaran to carry out their invaluable research to better understand ways to incorporate resilience in New York’s changing urban coastal regions. Understanding the importance of sharing these values with NYC school children, SRI@JB generously granted BioBoat 100 days for delivering our mission to bring science to all school children and provide an opportunity for meaningful experiential learning by participating in the scientific research community. In turn, building the next generation of environmental stewards and socially responsible citizens.
Vessel Specifications
Length: 63'- Beam: 21' 4"
- Draft: 4' 4"
- Air Draft: 25'
- Top Speed: 14 knots
- Capacity: 49 passengers
- Displacement: 77,000 lbs
- Propulsion: Twin 300kW electric motors
Opportunities for Education and Outreach
- Classroom configuration in the cabin with seating for 26 students
- Lab configuration in the cabin with 8 work stations
- Apple TV and WiFi
- 6.5 ft x 4.5 ft removable touch tank