For those of you aboard R/V Vantuna on the 15th of June here is a short video clip of the harbor trawl!

 (if you weren't able to join us, dont' worry! you can always take a "virtual vantuna tour" 24 hours a day!)

Welcome aboard!

“Help secure the future of the Vantuna program at Oxy!”

The Vantuna has played a significant role in marine environmental policy and in educating tens of thousands of elementary, high school, and college students since fisherman Gilbert Van Camp ’43 donated the vessel to Occidental in 1969.  Today, the R/V Vantuna continues to have a significant and lasting impact on marine biologists, politicians, economists and environmentalists. 

After undergoing significant renovations to comply with insurance regulations in 2000, the R/V Vantuna is once again fully operational.  Implementation of an increased user fee has resulted in a 35% increase in revenues from educational users taking classes out on cruises.  However, charter revenues still only provide 40 percent of the Vantuna’s $300,000 annual operating costs.  Occidental subsidizes the remaining expenses each year. 

The future of the Vantuna program is dependent on raising the funds needed to cover ongoing maintenance and operation of the vessel.  The primary focus is to raise funds annually for the current operations of the boat, while we continue to work to identify lead naming donors to help build a $2.5 million endowment for the Vantuna. 

By supporting the Vantuna - one of the few ocean research vessels owned and operated by a liberal arts college, and one that has helped to produce more than 50 marine science Ph.D.s - you will be helping to sustain the tradition of excellence at Occidental and a unique resource whose benefits extend far beyond the Occidental campus.  We are confident that you will agree that the R/V Vantuna is a precious resource we must not lose! 

We need your support to sustain our vibrant marine biology programs at Oxy.  Please consider a gift of $600 (the cost of a half-day cruise) or if you are able, a gift of $1,200 (the cost of a full-day cruise).  You can give online today! 

Click here to support the Vantuna!

For more information, please contact Kimberly Stafford, Director of Development.

If you have any photos, letters, stories aboard the boat that you would like to share with us please send them and we'll post them on the site!