New ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ research vessel 'Sharkology' takes her maiden voyage

The 'Sharkology' takes her maiden voyage

On October 3, 2016, the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ was officially handed the keys to the research vessel Sharkology, a 35 foot 350 Marlin FM that will transport students, faculty, and staff offshore to conduct field science.

Arthur Girard, who donated the vessel, and his son Michael Girard joined a ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ team on her maiden voyage near Spring Point in South Portland. The team included Professor James Sulikowski, Ph.D.; Vice President of Research and Scholarship Edward Bilsky, Ph.D; Assistant Director of the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center Addie Coyac, M.B.A.; ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Vessel Program Coordinator Tim Arienti. B.S.; and Associate Professor Kathryn Ono, Ph.D.

The Sharkology is now moored on the Saco River off the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ boat dock and will next be used to collect data offshore and tag sharks.

To learn more about the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences, visit

To apply, visit