West Palm Beach, FL – If you’re a researcher with the Bahamas blues, ANGARI Foundation is here to help. The nonprofit organization’s “Fuel Your Research” initiative is covering fuel costs to conduct marine fieldwork in Florida for researchers who have applied and are still waiting for Bahamas permits to be processed. Depending on the expedition, fuel can make up as much as 50% of the total cost.
ANGARI Foundation has supported marine research in Florida, The Bahamas, and beyond since its inception, but recent issues related to the pandemic, permitting, and fuel costs have made times tough for researchers. Under the “Fuel Your Research” initiative, ANGARI will cover all fuel costs associated with a Florida charter aboard the R/V ANGARI, the Foundation’s 65-foot research vessel that has been refitted into an exceptional scientific and educational platform.
“We are willing, able, and ready to continue supporting scientific work in the Bahamas, but we understand and have also experienced the current roadblocks and challenges associated with conducting vital research in Bahamian waters,” said Angela Rosenberg, president of ANGARI Foundation and captain of R/V ANGARI. “We recognize the importance of regular sampling and continuous data sets, fulfilling funding obligations and seeing research projects through to completion.”
While ANGARI is not in a position to advance or expedite The Bahamas permit process, the organization wants to keep driving ocean science forward and supporting marine scientists in the field. ANGARI is excited to support this work in its home state.
“Since they started, the ANGARI team has always been incredibly supportive of research. This latest initiative may help to salvage projects that have been impacted by permitting issues in the Bahamas,” said Dr. Krista Sherman, a senior scientist at Perry Institute for Marine Science.
To be eligible for the “Fuel Your Research” initiative, here are the requirements:
- Chief scientist must have conducted research in the Bahamas within the last five years.
- Chief scientist must have submitted a permit application to the Bahamian government authorities prior to August 1, 2022, and is still awaiting approval.
- Florida fieldwork must be conducted in one of the following areas: within 50 nautical miles of Florida’s East Coast south of Melbourne; within 50 nautical miles of Florida’s West Coast south of Tampa or in Tampa Bay; and within Florida Bay, the Florida Keys, or the Dry Tortugas.
- Chief scientist must acquire the required permits from the appropriate authorities to conduct Florida research.
- R/V ANGARI charter agreement must be fully executed by both parties before February 1, 2023, and the expedition must be completed before December 15, 2023.
To start planning a Florida expedition aboard the R/V ANGARI, and for more information on chartering details, vessel specifications, and previous research expeditions, visit angari.org.
About ANGARI Foundation
ANGARI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation established in 2016 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a global community that is interested, knowledgeable, and invested in marine and environmental sciences by directly supporting research initiatives that foster a greater trust and dialogue between scientists and the public. ANGARI Foundation uses innovative technology, film, and other media to raise awareness and strengthen science education. Many of the Foundation’s primary initiatives involve R/V ANGARI, a 65-foot vessel that serves as an exceptional research and education platform. For more information, visit angari.org.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media