Capabilities:
Surveillance & Monitoring
- Advanced long-range radar.
- High-resolution sonar to detect illegal nets.
- Integrated with TimeZero navigation software for advanced mapping, tracking, and real-time situational awareness, admissable as evidence in courts of law.
Conservation & Rescue
- Large deck space for immediate net retrieval, cleaning and animal rescues.
- Largest vessel in the annual Vaquita Survey, providing a key platform for research and monitoring.
Rapid Response & Enforcement
- Two fast boats for strategic coverage and support.
- Deck Capabilities of launching medium to long-range drones, increasing operational footprint from 10 miles (medium drones) to 50 miles (long-range drones).
Logistics & Operations
- 3-ton crane for heavy lifting.
- Expanded workspace with shipping container on deck.
- Built for indefinite mission duration, limited only by maintenance needs, ensuring continuous patrol and enforcement by Government partners wherever deployed.
Launched: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 86
Length: 130 ft
Beam: 32ft
Draft: 9ft
Max Occupancy: 19
A Legacy of Protection
Bob Barker’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare has been instrumental in advancing Sea Shepherd’s mission. His generous support began in 2009 with a $5 million donation that enabled the acquisition of our first vessel bearing his name. This ship played a pivotal role in numerous campaigns to defend marine wildlife. After its decommissioning in 2023, the launch of the new M/V Bob Barker in 2024 ensures the continuation of his impactful legacy.
Equipped for Direct Action
The M/V Bob Barker is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to enhance our conservation efforts:
Advanced Navigation Systems: Equipped with cutting-edge sonar and radar, the vessel can effectively detect and monitor illegal fishing activities, even in remote ocean regions.
Data Collection Capabilities: The ship’s modern equipment facilitates comprehensive data gathering, supporting research and informing strategic conservation initiatives.
Campaigns and Missions
Since its commissioning, the M/V Bob Barker has been actively engaged in critical missions:
Operation Milagro: Collaborating with the Mexican government, the vessel has been instrumental in efforts to protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of California.
Scorpion Reef Expedition: In June 2024, the Bob Barker embarked on a mission to Scorpion Reef, part of Mexico’s largest marine protected area, Bajos del Norte Park. Utilizing aerial drones, the crew successfully located and removed illegal fishing nets, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of our conservation operations.
Reminder From Bob Barker
The M/V Bob Barker proudly continues a legacy of love for animals and commitment to conservation. Sea Shepherd will uphold Bob Barker’s mission and continue to serve the ocean and its inhabitants through direct-action marine conservation.
To learn more about our mission and how you can get involved visit us HERE.
Help us continue this vital mission—your support makes a difference.
