Select June 4 or June 5 at 7:00 PM

In conjunction with The Rhode Island Sea Grant program, RISAA members will participate in 4 hour trips aboard the research vessel Cap'N Bert. The boat, which departs from Wickford harbor, is a 53-foot, 650 HP dragger that will provide members with a view of the bay that they've not likely seen before.

Thanks to David Beutel of URI, who has arranged the trips for us again this year, 15 members per trip will board the Cap'N Bert in Wickford and learn how a "dragger" works to catch fish from the bottom of the ocean. Members will learn about the various nets and sizes that are used, how they work and what to expect.



As the Bert steams out into the bay, members will be able to visit the captain, view the vast array of electronics aboard and ask questions about the workings of the boat.

Then the net will be dropped and two "tows" will be made, capturing sea life aboard the bottom.

Although the Cap'N Bert catches fish for scientific purposes, the same methods are used as on commercial fishing boats. Members will get to see how commercial boats drag the bottom and catch fish.

When the net is hauled in, the real purpose of the trip begins: to study the multitude of sea life on the bottom of Narragansett Bay.

Many RISAA members over the years have participated in these trips, and have always enjoyed the trip and knowledge they gained. Most trips have been "day" trips, with only one evening trip per year. That evening trip always sold out fast. This year, TWO night trips have been arranged to give more members a chance to experience an evening on the bay and an educational experience.

The cost this year will be $15 per member. RISAA is picking up most of the cost of these trips to keep the cost down for our members.
This fee is non-refundable if a members cancels.

The boat will sail if it rains, but not for rough seas.


Note that ONLY RISAA MEMBERS may attend these trips. Unlike other RISAA-sponsored events when spouses, guests and friends are invited, the limited number of available positions and the popularity of the trips, require that ONLY members be permitted. Also, those members must be in "good standing" - meaning their dues must be paid up.

Junior members are also welcome, but there is a 12 year old minimum.