The R/V Lake Guardian is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's largest research and monitoring vessel, and is operated by EPA's Chicago-based Great Lakes National Program Office.   The Lake Guardian is in its twelfth season in the Great Lakes, and has been used, extensively, to support monitoring and research activities ranging from investigations of toxic contaminants to the health of the biological communities of the lakes.  We continue to use the Lake Guardian to support a wide range of research activities conducted by Federal, State, and local agencies and universities. We make every effort to keep the Lake Guardian's equipment up-to-date, to make possible sampling for a wide range of chemicals in the air, water and sediments as well as aquatic plants and animals.

There are 16 rooms on the Lake Guardian, divided between scientists and crew.  The maximum number of scientists is twenty-two.  Rooms are similarly equipped, and include bunks, desks, lockers, and computer LAN connections.  Rooms have their own bathrooms with showers, or two rooms share a bathroom.  Accommodations and recreation, exercise, and meal facilities aboard the Lake Guardian are excellent.

Three laboratories are a permanent part of the ship:  the biology lab, chemistry lab, and multipurpose lab.  The biology lab has an area of 208 square feet, and the chemistry lab 300 square feet.  The labs can be used for many purposes, and have laboratory bench space, fume hoods, refrigerators/freezers, deionized water systems, uninterruptible power supplies, etc.  There is also a laboratory office with computers, printers and a copier for general use.  Three, 8 X 20 containerized  laboratories are also available on the ship.

The Lake Guardian's captain and crew are provided by a contractor having significant experience in research vessel operations on the Great Lakes, and are noted for their high degree of professionalism, cooperation, and efficiency in monitoring and research work.

Members of the scientific community who have research interests in the Great Lakes and connecting channels and require a vessel with the capabilities of the Lake Guardian are encouraged to contact EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office.