The Riptide miniboat has been included as part of a research project to better understand sea turtle strandings in Massachusetts Bay since 2019. Its contributions were also recently published in the Journal of Aquatic Biology! See Developing bottom drifters to better understand the stranding locations of cold-stunned sea turtles in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts (Page et al, 2023).
Last year, with support from Falmouth Education Foundation and Falmouth Public Schools, Falmouth High School upgraded the Riptide as well as two other miniboats (Rock Star and Scarborough Sailor) with sensors to collect data in the bay during the stranding season. See Falmouth Education Foundation Fosters Citizen Science.
This year, the Falmouth Education Foundation has generously renewed their support to continue the project with more schools. The Lawrence School has taken the lead this time, and has been assessing, repairing, testing, and learning – all in preparation for the 2023-2024 season.
Launch is planned for two of the miniboats (Riptide and Rock Star) for the end of November after a successful water test on November 16.
We want to thank our partners, including NOAA NEFSC, MakerBuoy, Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Refuge, University of Rhode Island, and various schools throughout New England for their contributions to this project. Also thanks specifically to Ms. Milliken and Ms. Klein for their leadership which has been essential.
