WASHINGTON, D.C. – New England students have an opportunity to name the newest ship to be commissioned in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fleet as part of the “Name NOAA’s New Ship” contest. The contest is open to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade in public and private schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. It was created to encourage interest in scientific studies, particularly oceanic and fisheries-related issues.

The name selected will be given to the new 208-foot fisheries survey vessel known as FSV No. 2. With its homeport at Woods Hole, Mass., the vessel will support fisheries in its primary goals of rebuilding and maintaining sustainable fisheries, promoting the recovery of protected species and protecting and maintaining the health of coastal marine habitats.

Students will research one name of their choosing for the ship and work on a project to support the selection of that name. They are to work in teams of at least four students, with no maximum number on a team. Projects will be judged on imagination and creativity, evidence of educational value and ability to incorporate a variety of academic disciplines.

The agency’s ships are named for types of mission, environmental phenomena, myths or traditions, geographical features or ships that have been decommissioned.

Members of the team whose entry is selected will be invited to the ship’s commissioning ceremony and a tour of one of the research and educational facilities in New England, which include laboratories, national marine reserves and a national marine sanctuary.

The school of the team with the selected entry will be given a memento of the ship bearing the new name. Additionally, the school will receive a visit from the agency’s administrator and a NOAA Corps officer, who will address environmental stewardship and the role they can play as individuals in protecting the ecosystems.

Deadline for submission of entry packets is Jan. 31, and the results will be announced in May. For more information on the contest, visit www.education.noaa.gov. To learn more about the agency visit www.noaa.gov.