Research Vessel Paragon
Researchers deploy long-range AUVs, wave gliders, small moorings, instruments, and conduct diving operations in near coastal waters.
MBARI staff prepare to bring an autonomous underwater vehicle back onboard the R/V Paragon following a mission. © Kip Evans
History
R/V Paragon was purchased from a commercial urchin diver in Oxnard, California, in 2001 by the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). PISCO repowered and customized the vessel for nearshore scientific scuba diving and oceanographic research. For ten years it served as a research platform for kelp forest monitoring and process studies, oceanography, and education. In 2012, Dr. Mark Carr of PISCO-UCSC offered to lease the R/V Paragon to MBARI. UCSC retains ownership of the vessel and MBARI is responsible for its operation and upkeep.
