SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
The research schooner Tara will be in Savannah from Jan. 20 to 26 as part of a worldwide trip to gather data on climate change.
It's part of the France-based Tara Oceans project study marine plankton around the world.
The ship is on its seventh expedition, which departed in September 2009 from Lorient, France, and is scheduled to return to Europe in March, according to the Tara Oceans website.
During the six-day port call, there will be events aimed at raising environmental awareness. On Jan. 19, there will be a phytoplankton collection stop in NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. On Jan. 20, a flotilla of vessels will accompany Tara into port with cannon firings to welcome the schooner. The crew will be welcomed at Savannah's City Hall.
Over the weekend, the ship's crew give an overview of their programs and projects. On Jan. 23 and 24, pre-registered groups of students from Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties will tour the vessel.
There will also be scientific seminars at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and at the Savannah State University as part of the trip.
The Tara schooner will leave for New York on Jan. 26.
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(Source: Tara Expeditions)
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