Back

The R/V Cape Fear is a 70-ft-long oceanographic research vessel that can berth eight scientists and two crew for extended cruises. This vessel can travel up to 16 knots, and holds 1,800 gal of fuel and 800 gal of fresh water. The kinds of  missions conducted aboard the Cape Fear include diving operations, sidescan and seismic surveys of the ocean floor, ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations, and oceanographic instrument deployment and retrieval. (Photo credit: Christine Addison)

Paula Whitfield and her research crew for several one-week research expeditions to study the lionfish in August 2004