R/V Blue Heron
The Large Lakes Observatory operates the largest U.S. Academic Research Fleet vessel in the Great Lakes, R/V Blue Heron. The Large Lakes Observatory is a designated University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) operator, and as such adheres to the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety standards, and maintains a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The vessel is subject to biannual NSF ship inspections.
Built in 1985 for fishing on the Grand Banks, Blue Heron was purchased by the University of Minnesota in 1997, and converted into a limnological research vessel during the winter of 1997-98. At the time of the conversion, the vessel was outfitted with state-of-the-art research equipment. The vessel has added capabilities with funding from the National Science Foundation and the University of Minnesota in order to provide needed capabilities in the Great Lakes. RV Blue Heron has berthing for 11 crew and scientists.
Equipment and Capabilities
Cruise Planning