Photo by Joshua Berger

Originally published by KNKX Public Radio

The Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a 1914 tall ship originally built to train Germany’s merchant marines has been circumnavigating the globe on a UN-backed mission to raise awareness about ocean health amid accelerating climate change. Powered primarily by wind, the steel vessel also serves as a floating research platform, equipped with advanced sensors that collect real-time data on salinity, oxygen, acidity, temperature, currents, and biological indicators. Specialized equipment also captures DNA traces and microplastics, contributing valuable observations as the ship sails.

During the Seattle leg, UW oceanographer and Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) director Jan Newton led a group of students and staff aboard. “We’re really excited to join the ship and the science that Statsraad Lehmkuhl is already doing,” Newton said prior to setting sail. “The students will be looking at those data, both during our cruise but also where the ship has been prior to now, so it’s going to be a really rich experience.” Read more about NANOOS’ time on the Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the link above.