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The R/V Muskie, based in Sandusky, Ohio, was built in 2011 and currently operates on Lake Erie. The Muskie replaced the R/V Musky II, which was the primary USGS research platform on Lake Erie since 1960. The Muskie is used to assess annual recruitment of major prey and predator fish in western Lake Erie as well as in lake trout restoration research in eastern Lake Erie. The Muskie also participates in studies designed to determine the impacts of environmental changes and invasive species on the Lake Erie ecosystem. The Muskie can be at sea five days with sleeping accommodations for six people. The Muskie has a full galley and two heads, one with a shower.