Vehicle for field research

我们需要一辆野外车辆来继续我们在新斯科舍省海岸的长期研究项目，由国家科学研究委员会发现基金支持。Scheibling的研究考察了海洋生态系统的组织和功能的大规模变化，这些变化是由海胆（主要的食草动物）和入侵物种的大量变化引起的。他的主要研究目标是：(1)调查控制这些变化的生物和环境因素；(2)评估入侵物种对生态系统结构和动态的生态影响；(3)开发有助于保护自然资源和本地生物多样性的预测数学模型。Metaxas的研究评估了调节海底无脊椎动物种群动态的因素，特别是浮游生物幼虫的供应和新个体的招募。她的主要研究目标是测量物理和生物栖息地特征对以下方面的影响：1)幼虫行为；2)幼虫丰度的时空格局、入侵物种的定居和招募；3)本地物种和入侵物种早期生活史阶段之间的相互作用；4)不同空间种群之间的幼虫传播和联系。我们申请资金购买一辆四轮驱动卡车，它能够1)全年将我们的7.2米、4吨的研究船拖到相隔数百公里的各个现场；2)在坡度陡峭或地形崎岖的船台上下水和回收本船；3)为野外人员、敏感而昂贵的海洋设备和海洋生物提供安全可靠的运输。租赁或租用车辆是不可能的，因为潜水安全规定要求我们将氧气罐（我们一次携带多达18个氧气罐）装在一个金属盒子里，安装在框架上。这需要对车辆进行结构改造，并在内部地板上涂上涂层，以防止海水腐蚀。因为我们的研究是以实地为基础的，需要从船上或岸上潜水，所以交通工具是我们最基本、最重要的研究设备。

We are requesting a field vehicle to continue our longstanding research programs along the coast of Nova Scotia, supported by NSERC Discovery Grants. Scheibling's research examines large-scale changes in the organization and functioning of marine ecosystems that are caused by major shifts in abundance of sea urchins (the dominant grazers) and invasive species. Primary objectives of his research are to 1) investigate biological and environmental factors that govern these shifts, 2) assess the ecological impact of invasive species on ecosystem structure and dynamics, and 3) develop predictive mathematical models that aid in conserving natural resources and native biodiversity. Metaxas' research evaluates factors that regulate population dynamics of bottom-dwelling invertebrates, particularly the supply of planktonic larvae and recruitment of new individuals. Primary objectives of her research are to measure effects of physical and biological habitat characteristics on 1) larval behaviour, 2) spatial and temporal patterns of larval abundance, settlement and recruitment of invasive species, 3) interactions between early life history stages of native and invasive species, and 4) larval dispersal and connections among spatially distinct populations. We request funds to purchase a 4WD truck with the capability to 1) trailer our 7.2 m, 4 t research vessel throughout the year to various field sites separated by 100s of km; 2) launch and retrieve this vessel on steeply graded slipways or rough terrain; 3) provide secure and reliable transport for 5 field personnel, sensitive and expensive oceanographic equipment, and marine organisms. Leasing or renting a vehicle is not possible since diving safety regulations require that we secure scuba tanks (we carry up to 18 tanks at a time) in a metal box mounted to the frame. This requires structural modification of the vehicle and coating the inner floor panel to protect against seawater corrosion. Because our research is field based and involves diving from our boat or from shore, a vehicle is our most fundamental and essential item of research equipment.