USGS Commissions New Research Vessel For Lake Ontario

A new U.S. Geological Survey Research Vessel, Kaho, was recently christened and commissioned in Oswego Harbor on Lake Ontario, according to syracuse.com. The new boat replaces an older vessel with the same name used on the lake since the 1970s.

The new R/V Kaho. (Credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Officials with the USGS say the new vessel will provide a more reliable platform for scientists and researchers to study Lake Ontario. It is equipped with marine instruments, hydro-acoustic systems for detecting fish, gear for taking water and contaminant samples and wet and dry labs.

The R/V Kaho, built in Cleveland, has an aluminum hull that should lighten its weight and make it easier to maneuver in the water. It joins four other research vessels the agency operates on the Great Lakes. These include the Grayling, Kiyi, Muskie and Sturgeon.

Lake Ontario. (Credit: Flickr User Vlad Litviniv via Creative Commons)

Construction of the Kaho was completed in 2011 with support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For those interested in other Great Lakes research vessels, the Great Lakes Association of Science Ships has an extensive list of many in use today, from small crafts to larger, more capable ones.