Capabilities:
Law Enforcement Partnership
- Provided to the Mexican Navy with a memorandum of agreement that the vessels will be used for enforcement within the Vaquita Refuge.
- Sea Shepherd maintains the vessels.
- Mexican Navy provides response to illegal fishing activity.
Logistics & Transport
- Transports Navy inspectors stationed aboard the Seahorse from their military base.
- Used for government visits, ensuring dignitaries and officials can inspect operations within the refuge.
Surveillance & Monitoring
- Provides time-sensitive mobility for rapid patrols and enforcement actions in the vaquita refuge. Supports real-time tracking of illegal activity, expanding operational reach.
Launched: 2024
Gross Weight: 5,700
Length: 27 ft
Beam: 8.5ft
Draft: 3ft
Max Occupancy: 8
High Speed Patrol Boats
Sea Shepherd’s fleet includes two 27-foot North River Seahawk OS vessels, known as Seahawk I and Seahawk II. These high-speed boats are integral to our conservation efforts, particularly in the Vaquita Refuge within Mexico’s Gulf of California.
Capabilities
Speed and Agility: The Seahawk vessels are designed for rapid deployment, enabling swift responses to illegal activities in marine protected areas.
Crew Capacity: Each vessel can accommodate up to eight crew members, allowing for effective collaboration between Sea Shepherd teams and local authorities.
Operational Support: Equipped to support sentry ship operations, the Seahawks facilitate bi-monthly resupply missions and crew changes, ensuring continuous monitoring and protection of critical habitats.
Role in the Vaquita Refuge
The critically endangered vaquita porpoise faces threats from illegal fishing activities targeting the totoaba fish. The Seahawks’ rapid response capabilities enable Sea Shepherd and the Mexican Navy to patrol the refuge effectively, deterring poachers and removing illegal gillnets that endanger marine life. Their presence has been pivotal in reducing illegal fishing incidents, contributing to the preservation of the vaquita population.
Through the deployment of Seahawk I and Seahawk II, Sea Shepherd enhances its ability to protect vulnerable marine species and uphold conservation laws in some of the world’s most critical ocean habitats.
To learn more about our mission and how you can get involved visit us HERE.
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