Our new research vessel, Bonney Blue

In February 2007 we were able to purchase our own research vessel. Bonney Blue is a 6.5m plate aluminium Razerline Olympian offshore fishing vessel, powered by twin Yamaha 80hp 4-stroke outboards, and equipped with a full suite of safety equipment. Bonney Blue is very strong and seaworthy, and allows us to operate independently anywhere along the upwelling coast. She is fitted out with a custom-made extra-high bow railing for whale tagging and photography; an electric winch for deploying our CTD (temperature, salinity & depth probe); and a custom-made mounting for Margie’s scientific depth sounder. All in all she is a handy little ship that allows us to carry out a wide range of research activities at minimal cost. We were able to purchase the boat with support from Santos Ltd and others who prefer to remain anonymous.