scheduled for a $1,340,000 refit at a US shipyard between January and May.

Grants for the job have been made possible through the US National Science Foundation. It is the largest amount of money the Foundation has given the Station.

The refit, known as Phase II, includes the installation of a bow thruster and three permanent laboratories, the conversion and movement of the wheelhouse to a higher deck and the addition of four cabins to increase sleeping capacity to 22 persons.

The Station's newsletter Currents also reports that Weatherbird's galley is to be modified to provide more seating and that her air conditioning system will be replaced. A new hydraulic winch and system to double the ship's oceanographic sampling capability is to be installed.

Bio Station officers are reviewing bids for the refit and inspecting sites to select the best shipyard. The project will be directed by Mr. Harry Barnes, the Station's assistant director in charge of operations, along with supervisors ship Capt. Lee Black and chief engineer Tony Sherriff.

Phase I of the Weatherbird II project was completed in 1991. It included remodelling of the transom to improve stability. Also, the forward bulkhead was opened to increase galley stowage.

The ship is scheduled to leave Bermuda in early January and return in May to resume her oceanographic duties.

The R/V Cape Hatteras , a Duke University/University of North Carolina vessel, will take over for Weatherbird II in her absence.

The R/V Curlew , a 44-foot sedan cruiser, is the latest addition to the Bio Station's fleet.

The boat, which can hold up to 40 people, was brought to the Station in August. She is to be used for "observation cruises'' by groups visiting the Station.

It is possible Curlew will be used for oceanographic work in conjunction with Weatherbird II .