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EPA’s OSV Bold is available to conduct monitoring and assessment surveys in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to help us serve our mission to protect human health and the environment.
What are the characteristics of the OSV Bold?
The OSV Bold is 224 feet long and 45 feet wide. The cruising speed is 11 knots with a range of 3000 nautical miles. The ship can carry a scientific crew of 20 scientists and contains laboratory space to conduct a variety of investigations.
What kind of samples can the Bold collect?
The OSV Bold collects water quality and sediment samples, fish, and other organisms. EPA divers working off the OSV Bold may also collect samples on coral reefs, and in other sensitive habitats, such as seagrass beds. The OSV Bold provides a safe and stable platform to conduct EPA missions.
What is the data used for?
EPA uses the OSV Bold to collect information to assess coastal waters to determine if impacts are occurring, and take corrective action when necessary. These activities include designation and monitoring of ocean dumping sites and analysis of ecological disturbances such as algal blooms and the health of coral reefs. In addition, large-scale oceanic conditions, such as the Gulf of Mexico hypoxia events, can be effectively and safely investigated with the OSV Bold.
What other activities will the Bold support?
The ship will also be able to monitor air deposition, and to respond to emergency circumstances, (e.g. hurricane response). In the future, the OSV Bold will also serve as an excellent educational tool by providing tours of the ship while in port, and will hold demonstration surveys for teachers and students. When consistent with its mission, the OSV Bold will also provide assistance as requested by the international community.
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