I was super happy to get a site right on the banks of Lake Superior. After I got settled, I headed over to figure out what the ship was that I could see in the at the edge of the RV park.
It was the Kiyi, a United States geological service research vessel!!!
The Kiyi is a state-of-the-art vessel dedicated to conducting research on the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Superior. Launched in 2000, the Kiyi is operated by the USGS’s Great Lakes Science Center and is primarily stationed in Ashland, Wisconsin. The 107-foot-long vessel is equipped with advanced research technologies, including sonar systems, trawling equipment, and sophisticated laboratories, making it an essential tool for monitoring the health of fish populations and aquatic habitats. The Kiyi plays a crucial role in fisheries research, assessing fish stock, collecting water quality data, and providing critical insights into the environmental changes affecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The Kiyi is instrumental in supporting long-term studies that inform management decisions regarding fishery resources in Lake Superior. It is one of the few vessels capable of operating in deep-water environments, allowing researchers to conduct year-round scientific missions, including harsh winter conditions when other vessels are docked. The research conducted aboard the Kiyi helps maintain sustainable fish populations, ensures the health of the Great Lakes, and contributes to broader environmental monitoring efforts. The vessel’s work is vital not only for conservation but also for supporting the economic and recreational activities that depend on the well-being of these freshwater ecosystems.
United States geological service dock sits right next to the old Ashland Oredocks. And, of course, I had to head out to the end of the Oredock.
The view from the end of the dock back toward the RV park and Ashland, Wisconsin.
