Quebec Shark Observatory partners with Evinrude
STURTEVANT, Wis. – Jeffrey Gallant, president and scientific director of the Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG) and Quebec Shark Observatory (QSO) has partnered with Evinrude. Gallant was part of a miniseries that aired earlier this month during the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.
The work of the GEERG focuses on sustainable fishing practices, shark awareness and marine conservation of the Greenland Shark and other northern species. The team rigged their research vessel, the Skalugsuak, with the Evinrude E-TEC G2.
The partnership will be a valuable asset to the shark research being conducted by Gallant. The Discovery Channel crew featured Gallant as part of a five-part report and subsequent documentary that aired on August 1. A portion of the series was dedicated to the rigging and sea trial of their newly repowered vessel, which now utilizes twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines.
Originally designed for an inboard engine configuration, the Skalugsuak was re-fitted to take advantage of the features and benefits offered by the Evinrude E-TEC G2. The research conducted by Gallant and his crew crosses the rugged waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary and North Atlantic.
Gallant was also delighted to repower with what Evinrude has called the cleanest outboard engine in the world, which is paramount to GEERG’s conservation efforts in this marine environment. Images of the Skalugsuak’s preparation can be seen on the GEERG’s blog.
“We’re proud to join forces with Evinrude, a manufacturer that time and time again has proven that they’re committed to sustainable boating,” said Gallant. “These quiet, fuel efficient and powerful Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines are a welcome addition to our team. The GEERG and QSO teams are also thrilled that these engines have the lowest emissions levels compared to other outboard offerings. This attention to sustainability aligns with our mission as we continue to monitor the marine environment in the Gulf of St-Lawrence.”
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines range from 200 hp to 300 hp, delivering up to 20 percent more torque, up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency and up to 75 percent fewer total regulated emissions than leading competitive four-stroke engines.
“When Jeffrey approached us with the opportunity to repower the Skalugsuak, we were honored,” said Christopher Berg, director of marketing and strategic planning for Evinrude. “His work at GEERG and the Quebec Shark Observatory is critical to the survival of these northern species and the water that they call home. We’re proud to provide them with 100 percent global emission compliant engines for their research in BRP’s home province of Quebec. His needs perfectly matched what the Evinrude E-TEC G2 has to offer and we look forward to powering him on many exciting adventures.”
