By Karen Robes Meeks
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Maple, a 225-foot vessel based in Sitka, Alaska, recently embarked on a historic voyage through the Northwest Passage to support marine science and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s scientific research near the Arctic Circle.
The Maple will put out three sonographic buoys that will record marine mammals. Onboard the cutter is a principal investigator from the University of San Diego who will analyze the data coming from the buoys.
"We're very excited to make this voyage through the Northwest Passage and to assist in the Scripps Institute research,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Armstrong, commanding officer of the Maple. “In planning this, we have worked very closely with our Canadian counterparts and we look forward to continuing that cooperation in the Arctic."
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier will meet with the Maple to provide icebreaking services as the vessel heads to Victoria Strait, Canada.
The Maple will end its journey in late August in Baltimore, Maryland.
