NOAA has taken delivery of Bell M. Shimada, the agency's newest high-tech fisheries survey vessel. Bell M. Shimada's primary mission will be to study, monitor and collect data on a wide range of sea life and ocean conditions, primarily in U.S. waters from Washington state to southern California.

The ship will also observe environmental conditions, conduct habitat assessments and survey fish, marine mammal, sea turtle and marine bird populations. The vessel is the fourth of a new class of ships designed to meet the NOAA Fisheries Service's specific data collection requirements and the International Council for Exploration of the Seas' new standards for a low acoustic signature.   

"Bell M. Shimada represents a significant achievement in the agency's efforts to modernize its fleet of fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic survey ships," said Rear Adm. Jonathan Bailey, director of the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Corps. "This highly capable ship will play a key role in supporting NOAA's mission."   

Launched in September 2008, the 208ft Bell M. Shimada was built for NOAA by VT Halter Marine Inc., in Moss Point, Miss., as part of the NOAA's fleet replacement strategy to provide world-class platforms for US scientists.   

For more information,visit NOAA Fisheries Service at www.nmfs.noaa.gov

For all the latest Newbuild information and reports, see the forthcoming April issue of Ships Monthly.