Through an ongoing series of expeditions, our multi-disciplinary team is probing the depths of the Bahama Deep 'in search of' better understanding our Blue Planet, and ourselves. Expeditions are organized into thematic units, with each bringing a critical message and body of knowledge back for public consumption.
About Bahama Deep
The island nation of the Bahamas rests atop a carbonate platform, with deepwater trenches flanking the margins of the island chain. Shear vertical walls line these deep trenches, providing a gateway from the shallow fore reef to the edge of the abyss. Given the remoteness and limited infrastructure of the region, scientific exploration of the deep reefs from 50 to 150 meters depth (mesophotic zone) is only at its infancy. Yet this is a critical environment to explore, as it provides insight into our past, present, and future...
Past
The geological diversity of the deep tells a story about the formation of Earth's landscape. These hidden reaches of our oceans may provide gateways into understanding the roots of humanity, and our cultural evolution.
Present
Today, studying the natural history & biodiversity of unexplored areas will provide clues about the role these systems play in the vast expanse of oceana incognita. Accessing these deepwater habitats is one important step towards improving our quality of life.
Future
As technologies and techniques are demonstrated in the Bahama deep, scientists will explore, firsthand, to depths approaching the margins of the continental shelf. This will be made possible with advances in rebreather technology, low-cost undersea habitation, and new techniques for scientific diving.
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Project Posters for your Classroom, Dorm Room, & Dive Locker
We have two new large format poster designs available that represent the project well. You are welcome to download the files and print yourself (files are full-bleed and include bleed marks). To purchase a printed copy, please send $30 to the address to the right, or via Paypal, and we'll send it your way. 100% of proceeds benefit the project.
.: Exploration & Human Health.pdf
This poster represents the core theme from our 2002 through 2005 fieldwork, and includes images and facts about natural products discovery from unexplored frontiers.
.: Life on the Edge.pdf
This poster represents our 2010 fieldwork theme. The image is a to-scale mosaic revealing the vertical wall from 40 to 100 meters.
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***Expedition Announced: 'Bahama Deep | Exuma Sound 2011'***
Leveraging a successful 2010 expedition to Andros, a newly formed multi-disciplinary research team will benefit from our forthcoming work later this month, as we explore and document Exuma Sound to in excess of 130 meters.
.Pre-expedition press release
.Post-expedition press release
***Expedition HUGE Success: 'Bahama Deep | In TOTO 2010'***
The Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO) is a 2000 meter deep ocean trench flanking the east margin of the island of Andros. In November 2010, we wconducted an extensive exploratpry survey to document the natural history of the region to depths exceeding 130 meters, while simultaneously evaluating the biomechanics of humans working at these depths. The work will be presented and displayed at venues throughout the US.
.Pre-expedition press release
.Post-expedition press release
for more information...
contact...
Ocean Opportunity Inc.
attn: Michael Lombardi
PO Box 4668 #31885
New York, NY 10163-4668 email
