July 2, 2012
By Mera McGrew
Four miles off the coast of Key Largo, Florida sits the world’s single fully-functional underwater laboratory dedicated to marine science and exploration.
Sitting on a sand patch some sixty feet below the ocean’s surface the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Aquarius underwater habitat has allowed marine scientists and ocean explorers to stay underwater for days, even weeks at a time to conduct cutting-edge research that has broadened our understanding of the world’s ocean and it’s many fragile ecosystems.
Typically, scientists live in Aquarius, which looks like a submarine fixed to the ocean floor, during ten-day missions. During that time they’re able to dive continuously without ever re-surfacing. Instead they return directly to the underwater laboratory, which also houses their living quarters. By not returning to the surface, scientists can escape the limitations of conventional surface-based diving, which allows them to conduct research for hours at a time.
Research conducted from Aquarius has been effective at raising awareness of ocean issues and led to advancements in science. Specifically, it has led to a better understanding of how global fluctuations in the climate affect the world’s ocean. It has also provided insight into how coral reef ecosystems would change if specific species were overfished and lost. Other research conducted from Aquarius has tracked trends in coral reef health, looked at how coral is impacted by ultraviolet light and much more.
Despite Aquarius’s instrumental role in the advancement of marine science, its future is now in question. Like many crucial federal programs, Aquarius has also seen its funding slashed. The cuts have forced NOAA to consolidate its ocean exploration program. Without proper funding, Aquarius will be shut down and the only operational underwater laboratory will be lost.
Throughout the month of July, Mission Blue and its founder, Dr. Sylvia Earle will celebrate Aquarius, the important role that it plays in advancing scientific knowledge, the amazing resource that it is for generating support of ocean exploration, and the tool that it represents to increase outreach and education of the world’s ocean.