Outboard engines for coastal research vessel

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Midsize watercraft are essential equipment for studies of coastal systems.  Researchers of Québec-Océan have long had access to a Boston Whaler for sampling and accessing nearshore sites, but this boat is no longer operational due to irreparable problems with the motors.  Here we request funds ($20,401) for the replacement of these motors.  This need is particularly acute at this moment as the co-applicants have recent been awarded an NSERC Strategic grant that relies heavily on biological and physical sampling of the water column over a large geographic area in the St. Lawrence ecosystem.  Beyond this immediate need, each co-applicant has his or her own particular uses for this resource, including for sampling plankton, deploying field instruments, accessing off-shore and remote sites, and as a platform for diving operations.   A modest investment of funds at this time will ensure that this critical research infrastructure remains operational and available for the logistic support of a diverse set of research projects now and in the future.