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Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. - Andre Gide
Central to Ocean Opportunity's mission is getting into the field, which provides the catalyst for our projects and programs. This page is the gateway into our more expeditious work, organized to help you 'get connected' with our Blue Planet. Some efforts stand alone, others reflect multi-year initiatives or thematic journeys. Stay tuned as the resources for each activity continue to evolve, including creative applications of the new Google Earth 5.0. All resources are freely available, including .kml/.kmz files, however we ask that you make a small donation - if possible - should you use this information in your classroom.
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Jamestown | a Reef from Ruins
2007, 2008, 2009 | Rhode Island Sound
Debris from the 'old' Jamestown Bridge was used to create two nearshore artificial reef habitats; the first of their kind in New England. With OO's founder/president having previously supported post-demolition survey efforts, OO is now involved in the ongoing ecological surveys of the sites, as well as creating mechanisms to keep the 'old' bridge alive for Rhode Islanders. This work is in collaboration with researchers from the RI Department of Environmental Management and the University of Rhode Island.
:: Short Film from Amazon.com
:: Blog & Field Dispatches
:: Field Photos
:: Recommended Reading
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Urbania | Beneath City Streets
2008, 2009 | Downtown Providence, RI & cities everywhere
For reasons that we cannot yet fully understand, OO's work has venturedto some of the darkest and dirtiest environments one can imagine. In early spring 2008, M. Lombardi supported a project to re-route the sewer system of Providence, Rhode Island. Entering the confined sewer spaces was a trek back in time, as these systems were constructed more than a century ago. The sewer tunnels' masonry was impeccable; a true art buried by the literal mess that today's society has created. Throughout these travels, OO discovered an increasing appreciation for city architecture. Often times, traces of each cities' history points us to insight about human's dependence on water - and a fresh perspective on 'a new life in the sea'.
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Diving a Dream Expedition
2006 | Tavernier Key, Florida
From 2004-2007, Ocean Opportunity coordinated the Diving a Dream project, which made it possible for Matthew Johnston to become the world's first ventilator dependent quadriplegic diver. In November 2006, we ventured to the Florida keys with Matt for his history-making dive. The project was covered by NBC's Today Show.
:: Short Film from Amazon
:: Field Photos
:: Matt's manual for ventilator dependent diving
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Eco-Exuma
2005 | Exumas, Bahamas
The majority of 2005 was spent developing OO from our second home - the Exumas. This island nation provides a venue for many projects we am involved with presently.OO continues to take part in small scale projects to bring this magical part of the world to the rest of the planet.
:: Thunderball Field Photos
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Antarctica Expedition K068
2002 | McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Off to the bottom of the planet! OO's M. Lombardi spent about 2 months at Scott Base, working on a University of New Hampshire - University of Otago collaborative research project to evaluate the effects of UV radiation on the marine life beneath the annual sea ice. Cold, yes...but an experience never to be forgotten. This work has sparked OO's interest in exploring both poles - to experience nd bring these alien world's back for the masses.
:: Field Photos
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Frontier Science of the Deep
2001, 2002, 2005, 2010 | the deep
In 2002, a mixed-gas expedition provided the launch-pad for OO, as our true calling to exploration and set into motion. Our team conducted the first-mixed gas dives for science at NOAA's Caribbean Marine Research Center, taking science to over 300fsw/90msw. Using very limited open-circuit technologies, the benefits of rebreather technologies became evident. However, the results of this expedition proved significant...nearly a dozen new marine species in 8 minutes of exploration time. imagine the potential of 'the 9th minute'. Ongoing work in this area includes developing new techniques, technologies, and tools to take routine benthic marine science to the 'innerspace' environment, all while encouraging us to consider the most efficient means to study this frontier...by its future habitation.
:: Field Photos
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Let There Be Light
2002 | Exumas, Bahamas
We have crossed paths with Charlie Mazel of Nightsea frequently over the years, and have supported a number of his field projects. This particular expedition resulted in one of the first records of capturing underwater fluorescence on video, and also (though mostly luck), capturing a fluorescing mantis shrimp hunt his prey at night.Fluorescent compounds from the marine encvironment have many useful commercial and biotechnological applications, and searching for them makes for unforgettable nighttime diving experiences.
:: video discovery of fluorescent mantis shrimp
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Stromatolite Excavation
2000 | Exumas, Bahamas
This was among M. Lombardi's first 'working' scientific dive projects. More than 20 cumulative hours, over two days, excavating a billion year old stromatolite from Adderly Cut near Lee Stocking Island in the Exumas. This was the first excavation of a subtidal stromatolite. The work was conducted for Dr. Robert Ginsburg at the University of Miami-RSMAS. Results of this excavation have been on display at the National Museum of Natural History. |
Please contact OO for more information on the above expeditions, or to propose a future project.
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