Harbor Watch at Earthplace seeks public's help after the Annie catches its last wave
Harbor Watch's research boat - The Annie - has caught its last wave and is beyond repair.
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Harbor Watch at Earthplace in Westport is seeking the public's help as it says goodbye to the end of an era.
Harbor Watch's research boat - The Annie - has caught its last wave and is beyond repair. The vessel has been taken out of service after 30 years. Officials are now looking for a replacement.
The Annie has been an integral part of Nikki Spiller's growth on the water. Spiller is the director of the Harbor Watch and says she learned to drive a boat on the Arbie Annie.
"After 30 years, we've had a lot of holes and a lot of repairs, and it's really just not as seaworthy as we would like it to be," says Spiller.
The vessel helps evaluate the health of the ecosystem.
"We're looking at physical and biological and chemical parameters, so we're taking water temperatures," says Spiller. "We're taking a look at fish population."
Harbor Watch also provides education programs and annual monitoring reports that are used by local municipalities and state agencies.
The group is now looking for the public's help with raising funds to get a new boat.
Harbor Watch is hosting a fundraiser called Cocktails and Clams on June 10 at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Funds raised will go toward buying a new custom research boat.
Click here to make a donation.
