The “MarViva Med” is a 42-metre vessel that has been serving the marine research institutes of the governments of Northern Ireland and Scotland. The vessel was recently modified for the campaign work carried out by the international marine conservation organisation, Oceana.

The new vessel’s crew consists of 11 sailors and 12 scientists and technicians. Oceanographers specialised in fisheries and marine habitats will also sail on board the vessel, as well as a team of professional divers equipped with video and photography equipment, and a robot with capacity to carry out deep sea dives down to 500 metres depth. The vessel is also equipped with high-speed rubber dinghies and equipment for sending images via satellite. It can remain at sea for long periods of time without the need to refuel.