State Launches Speedy New Fleet
California’s department of Fish and Game has unveiled five new catamarans that Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick describes as quicker, more versatile, more fuel-efficient, and better equipped than existing boats.
The technological features include radar, radio systems, sonar systems, and some classified programs, explains Fish and Game assistant enforcement chief Frank Spear. Funding provided by the Marine Life Management Act of 1999 was tapped to pay for the boats. The catamarans will focus on stopping poachers and potential terrorists.
The five new boats employ twin 660-horsepower diesel engines, and were designed by Technicraft in New Zealand. The catamarans are also equipped with Zodiac hurricane skiffs that can be launched or picked up by a hook on a crane, allowing wardens to check shallow waters or catch large boats.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Larry Goodman says that the potential for wrongdoing is decreased with more law-enforcement and security assets in San Francisco Bay.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the San Francisco Chronicle (08/20/04) P. B1; Lee, Henry K.
