Aquarius the Underwater Laboratory:

Aquarius the Underwater Laboratory:

The National Geographic Channel series Naked Science had an episode called The Dangers of the Deep, which describes the underwater observatory, Aquarius. Aquarius is owned by NOAA and operated by NURC/UNCW. This observatory is found three and a half miles offshore, at a depth of sixty feet and is off the coast of Key Largo at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Aquarius is equipped with microwaves, telephones, and computers so divers are always connected to people on land. For ten days, six biologists go to Aquarius to do research on the coral reefs. Biologists are able to scuba dive for nine hours and study shallow environment of fifty to 100 feet.
Biologist at Aquarius use saturation diving when conducting research. By doing this, scientists are able to stay in the water for a longer period. This is because depth, gas mixture and supply, weather, and decompression obligation are no longer a factor because scientists stay at a depth of sixty feet. Since these factors are no longer a problem, a diver can stay around that depth for an unlimited amount of time and decompress once the dive has ended.
Aquarius has supported 80 missions since 1993 pertaining to coral reefs, the harvesting of fish, disease, and climate change. Aquarius scientists have discovered the damaging effects ultraviolet light has on coral reefs and how corals feed and grow.Schools around the United States have teamed up with Aquarius for an educational outreach program. Point-to-point video conferences and web chats allow students to learn about science projects and underwater studies.

Work Cited:
Miller, Steve. "Live Web Chat and Video Conference: NASA Mission in NOAA's Aquarius (06/09/03)." NURP. NURP, 09 June 2003. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. .
Moore, Barbara. "NOAA's Aquarius Featured on CNN.Com and ABCNEWS (07/20/05)." NURP. 20 July 2005. Web. 14 Nov. 2010.
Gordon, Bart. "Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Reps :: Member Speech :: E&E Subcommittee Chairman Baird’s Remarks on the Floor on Loss of Aquanaut at NOAA Undersea Research Center." Web Site for the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives :: Welcome. 07 May 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. .