Ask an Aquanaut: More Attention, More Funding?
Ron Peters asks: All the world is currently watching the adventures of the crew of the ISS and the shuttle in space. We watch with eager anticipation as the astronauts work to attach the Japanese Research module, and of course while the labor to repair the “space toilet”.
During the period between the mid to late 1960s to the early 1980s the world was enamored with in situ exploration of our worlds oceans. At any one time there were several underwater habitats in operation being operated by both governments and private organizations and for various purposes. This was during a time when space exploration was also in “high gear”.
Now there is only one “open ocean” underwater lab (Aquarius) and two other privately operated underwater facilities located in a lagoon in Key Largo (Jules’ & MarineLab, MRDF).
Why do you suppose that this is so? Given that we know more about other planets and surviving in space than we do about our own oceans.
As an avid diver and explorer, I support your efforts 100%. As someone who has had some experience in undersea habitat operations, I know that with our current knowledge and technology, undersea research of this type can be done both efficiently and effectively. Even more so than space exploration can be done. And with our improved understanding of saturation diving and surviving in the hyperbaric environment, all of this can be done with a greater degree of safety.
What can we do to re-stimulate interest in undersea research? Do not mis-understand me, please. I take nothing away from NASA and other countries in their efforts to explore space. But, shouldn’t we also be exerting at least as much effort in exploring and understanding our own planet as well?
What, in your opinion, can we do to generate greater support for your mission?
Dear Ron
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support and desire to help. What we need are more people like you! Unfortunately, underwater technology, research, and exploration have not been a priority in the US for years….even though the ocean covers so much of our planet and is so critical to life on earth and the well-being of society.
We need people to tell their political representatives that the ocean and undersea research is important, relevant, and exciting. We also need to get that message to the media so that they will cover it more frequently and in the same vein as the space program. Along with a public outcry, strong leadership at the top could and would change things!
There is so much still to be learned about the ocean and with the impacts of climate change, overfishing, pollution, harmful algal blooms, marine debris, invasive species, habitat loss…and the list goes on, it is critical that we better understand what is happening in the ocean and in specific habitats like the coral reefs that we focus on and try to come up with solutions….not just for the ocean, but for people and society!
Thanks again, and continue to spread the word.
Dr. Ellen Prager
Chief Scientist, Aquarius Reef Base
Comment On This Post