New Lake Michigan Research Boat Starts Its Mission

Changing of the guard

A sturdy old workhorse retires as a new boat gets shipshape and starts service on Lake Michigan - Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

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Meet the RV Coregonus, a 60-foot research vessel built to support expanded study and survey work of the Lake Michigan fishery.

Named after the fish genus that includes lake whitefish, lake herring and bloater chubs, the new RV Coregonus allows fisheries staff to continue the work done on the previous research ship for more than 70 years – the RV Barney Devine.

See more about Coregonus' research mission and its schedule for 2011-12

Expanded Features

Although the RV Barney Devine was well maintained, there have been many advances in fisheries research since 1937 and the old boat was no longer suitable.

The RV Coregonus incorporates many new safety features and improves vessel and crew safety. The new vessel also has expanded features including onboard laboratory equipment, water tight compartments and a semi-planning hull along with capabilities for scuba operations.

DNR fisheries staff worked closely with Seacraft Design, LLC of Sturgeon Bay to develop the design that would maintain the ability to use gill nets during all but the most extreme sea conditions, while expanding its capabilities for research. Its capabilities include trawling and deploying hydro-acoustic equipment.

The RV Barney Devine had a top speed of less than 10 knots, which meant a travel time from Sturgeon Bay to Milwaukee of 15 to 16 hours. The RV Coregonus has a significantly higher top speed, decreasing the travel time and increasing efficiency.

Construction Videos

Lake Michigan research vessel construction, christening and first launch! (Episode 4)

Follow the RV Coregonus construction process from start to finish (Episode 3)

Follow the RV Coregonus construction process from start to finish (Episode 2)

Follow the RV Coregonus construction process from start to finish (Episode 1)

The $2 million cost of the vessel will be paid for primarily from fishing license revenues placed in the segregated fisheries account, with an additional $500,000 provided from salmon stamp revenues.