M.V. Ocean anchored

Mothership Vessel Ocearch anchored at Guadalupe Island. This 126-foot former crabbing vessel holds 52,500 gallons of fuel, which makes it possible for the vessel to travel longer distances and fuel the many boats that sit on top of the vessels deck. Here, the Crew has made the journey, aproximately 300 miles from Ensenada to Guadalupe Island, Mexico.

M.V. Ocean approaches

Mothership Vessel Ocearch approaches Guadalupe Island at first daylight.  The vessel is equipped with Radar, GPS, Tides and Currents Software, Fish Finder, Depth Sounder, Satellite Compass and Auto Pilot which makes this vessel capable of traveling even the hardest seas to navigate.  The vessel is also equipped with ballast tanks for balancing the ship when the lift platform is lowered over the side of the ship for research purposes as well as easier traveling.

M.V. Ocean Deck Machinery

The platform lift on the Mothership Ocean can lift up to 75,000 lbs. and is 420 square feet large. This unique addition to the vessel makes it possible for the OCEARCH team to carefully raise the great white sharks out of the water to attach real-time SPOT tag technology, take blood samples and measurements.

The vessel is also equipped with a crane that can lift the contender and multiple inflatables on and off the deck when needed.

M.V. Ocean Engine Room

Jody Whitworth, Co-Captain of the M.V. Ocearch checks oil on one of two diesel engines aboard the vessel.   Maintenance on the vessel requires a full-time engineer, Dennis Wagner who keeps the operation running smoothly.  The ship is outfitted with 3 generators, and a reverse osmosis water pressure system capable of generating 50 gallons of water per hour.

Whitey Evans and Chris Fischer

Deckhand, Whitey Evans and Expedition Leader and Vessel Owner, Chris Fischer await their arrival at Guadalupe Island.  Preparations for the expeditions begin months in advance and the crew work around the clock.  Their endurance is tested through early mornings, late night watches and constant problem solving.  Their determination and focus helps them to accomplish hands-on unprecedented research.

Whitey Evans and Chris Fischer

Deckhand, Whitey Evans and Expedition Leader and Vessel Owner, Chris Fischer await their arrival at Guadalupe Island.  Preparations for the expeditions begin months in advance and the crew work around the clock.  Their endurance is tested through early mornings, late night watches and constant problem solving.  Their determination and focus helps them to accomplish hands-on unprecedented research.

M.V. Ocean and 45-foot Cabo Sportfisher

Mothership Vessel Ocearch in the distance and 45-foot Cabo sportfisher in the front.  The M.V. Ocean is capable of lifting the Cabo out of the water and onto its deck for safe traveling.  This makes for an efficient operation.

 

Release of Sea Anchor

M.V. Ocearch in the Shared Offshore Foraging Area, halfway between California and Hawaii.  The Crew releases the sea anchor, which will keep them from drifting with currents and tides.  In the S.O.F.A the crew searches for great white sharks that have been tracked in this area to uncover the mysteries of their breeding and birthing sites.