Launch Research Vessel Heraclitus
RV Heraclitus connects and celebrates the sea-cultures of the planet, their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), climate adaptation strategies and unique cultural histories while serving as a valuable platform for marine scientists and artists.
UK Donations claiming Gift Aid click here
The Research Vessel Heraclitus has sailed 270,000 nautical miles in every sea except the Arctic. This includes 3,700km up the Amazon River. Next steps will include voyaging in the Atlantic to Colombia, the Amazon River Basin, and the Caribbean. Ports of call will include Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla and navigating the Magdalena River.
To get to this stage has been an epic effort and we thank all our friends, donors and supporters who have helped along this adventurous journey.
Contact christinehandte@ecotechnics.edu for information.
The Heraclitus is owned and operated by Ecotechnics Maritime (UK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Institute of Ecotechnics a registered UK charity Nº 1081259.
Our Ask
We are seeking contributions in the form of:
Financial donations
Committed and skilled adventurers, researchers, artists who would like to join us on our expeditions
Sponsors
Research institutions and organizations that would like to partner with us and utilize the Heraclitus
For those interested in sponsoring, partnering, or volunteering please email christinehandte@ecotechnics.edu
Our History
RV Heraclitus, the Chinese junk built by the Institute of Ecotechnics in San Francisco, has sailed the world’s oceans since 1975. The expedition team collected ethnobotanical plants, marine specimens for the Biosphere 2 Ocean, created documentary films about marine ecology and extraordinary cultures, collected genetic whale samples and studied cetaceans and coral reefs.
Over the course of its 13 epic expeditions, the ship has been a nautical home to hundreds of seafarers from all walks of life and ages and hailing from over fifty countries. The Heraclitus is a mobile platform for art, research, and adventure.
Our Vision and Goals for the Heraclitus:
“The ocean’s decline is an existential threat to us all… every second breath we take comes from the oxygen created by phytoplankton and other marine plants. The decline… [has] dire consequences for the future of many marine and terrestrial species, including humankind.”
– Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for The Oceans
We are currently in a global climate emergency.
The ocean biome is facing the destructive influence of multiple planetary crises, from rising temperatures and sea levels impacting marine flora and fauna, acidification of water and major meteorological consequences to rapidly changing marine environments. We need immediate solutions that help mitigate these shocks on people and the planet to ensure our survival.
The sea is the front line for research, monitoring, and documenting the planet’s changes. We can and must develop effective and inspired solutions to these urgent problems through innovative and targeted oceanic studies.
The Heraclitus is a unique research vessels for accessing remote areas and engaging with local cultures. The ship will be outfitted with state-of-the-art data collection instruments, host seamanship training programs, and citizen science action.
Educational programs are an essential part of the ongoing expeditions.
Programs will include:
Documenting cultural diaspora
Facilitating onsite and virtual classrooms
Hosting guest lecturers and symposiums
Providing state of the art platforms for marine research
Providing media channels for people to report first-hand knowledge and impending crises.
Hosting scuba lessons throughout Latin America and the Caribbean
Organizing expeditions with other ocean research groups
Theater
As part of the cultural exchange with the people met in ports, the crew of the Heraclitus puts on original theatrical productions about life at sea.
Educational and Training Programs
Over forty years, hundreds of aspiring managers, ecologists, artists and explorers have joined the crew.
The skills acquired on this most unique ship are many: sailing, navigation, small group dynamics, public speaking, interactions with multiple cultures, direct contact with the forces of nature.
Many have gone on to make important contributions in the worlds of ecology, science, art and management; their time on the Heraclitus has left an indelible positive mark on their personal journeys.
All the funds raised in this campaign go directly to the Heraclitus.
Donations are tax deductible via the Institute of Ecotechnics, UK and the Institute of Ecotechnics, USA. In the UK, please consider contributing under Gift Aid.
We also welcome gifts-in-kind, such as air miles, equipment and services.
Thank you for your help to fund the rebuild of this legendary ship and get her back into the oceans where she can continue to sail to new cultures, map and monitor the health of our seas, and educate a new generation of Sea People.
To send a message, get involved or sign up for updates please contact us here!
“Our mission is to sail the world’s oceans and great rivers to connect people and cultures and inspire a deeper understanding of the biosphere through the art of navigation.”
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Captain Claus Tober using a sextant to navigate.
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