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Evolution of the National Oceanographic Research Fleet

Completed

The U.S. academic research fleet is an essential national resource. While oceanographers are embracing a host of remote technologies that can facilitate the collection of data, they will continue to require capable, adaptable research vessels in the foreseeable future. Hence, scientific demands on the fleet are likely to increase. This report concludes that maintaining U.S. leadership in ocean research will require investing in larger, more capable general-purpose Global- and Regional-class ships; involving the scientific community in all phases of ship design and acquisition; and improving coordination between agencies that operate research fleets.

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