The replacement vessel and trailer are essential for the CDFW State Managed Finfish and Ecosystem Program (SMFNEP) to conduct mission-critical fisheries and resource management of nearshore, bay, and estuary ecosystems pursuant to the Marine Life Management Act. Specifically, the vessel is essential to SMFNEP staff in the northern California region supporting highly collaborative  kelp harvest management, state water bottom aquaculture lease inspections, and other high priority bay and estuary resource needs, such as Pacific herring, eelgrass and invasive species surveys.