for that to operate. so today the seas are down to about four feet. a little bit of a better test. they're hoping the seas continue to calm down. but for now, that "a whale" is still being evaluated in terms of its success in skimming and its maneuverability. >> what we're really looking for on the "a whale" is, can it do what it's claimed to do? this is new technology that's never been tried before. they're out there for the next 48 hours trying to test its oil-skimming capabilities and its ability to maneuver in tight quarters out there. adds you know, we've got approximately 3,000 ships fighting oil here off the coast of louisiana. they have to maneuver in tight quarters. and with 1,100-foot ship, that can be a pretty challenging effort. >> reporter: that fight has not been too sullivan in the past 24 hours.