As part of the ReCo project (Interreg Central Europe Program 2021-2027), the ARMOR 400 boat was acquired in July 2024 for research in the Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve. It will be used for bird monitoring and ringing, as well as mapping habitats on newly formed mudflats. Thanks to its flat bottom and shallow draft, the boat is ideal for the reserve’s brackish lagoon, which has shallow and occasional muddy water. An electric motor and trailer were also purchased to make it easier to move the boat between locations and therefore simplifying fieldwork.

The boat has a double bottom and is made from a material that ensures safety and comfort. Its surface is non-slip and doesn’t overheat in the sun. The back of the boat is reinforced with a waterproof board to securely attach the motor. It also has two built-in wheels that don’t get in the way while on water but make it easier to move the boat in and out of the lagoon. A special hook at the front allows it to be safely tied to the shore or dock.

This boat and its equipment are great examples of practical tools designed for research. They make fieldwork more efficient and accessible while helping to protect the reserve’s delicate ecosystems.