Ocean Research Ship Tours

Climb aboard a U.S. fisheries research vessel-the Rueben Lasker-to learn about its ongoing survey of deep-sea fish populations along the west coast.

You'll tour the sampling stations and laboratories where the scientists collect their data; learn about the nets, winches, and cranes; and meet the ship's Captain, Chief Scientist, and other officers, scientists, and crew. You'll also get to see the anchor gear, mess deck, and galley.

The Reuben Lasker is the newest ship in the fisheries fleet of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And it's one of the most technologically advanced fishery survey vessels in the world.

Its primary objective is to support surveys of fish, marine mammals, and turtles off the west coast and in the eastern tropical Pacific. Currently its scientists are surveying the distributions and amounts of pelagic fish species from Newport, Oregon to Point Conception, California.

Tickets available at the east end of Pier 15 starting at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. First-come, first-served. Capacity is limited to 20 visitors per tour.