Located in Key Largo, Florida, NOAA's Aquarius Reef Base is operated by the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). SDTN salutes the reef base program; here, we'll take a closer look at the many missions the base undertakes.
About Aquarius Reef Base
This one of a kind ocean science facility provides an unparalleled means for researchers wishing to study the oceans and coral reefs, and to test new undersea technology. Students, U.S. Navy Divers, and even Astronauts receive training here; and even though the base sits in about 60 feet for water, it is connected to the internet and to a shore-based NOAA field station.
Scientists utilize saturation diving techniques to live and work here for one to two weeks at a time, conducting surveys and research, testing equipment, and more. Since it was installed in 1993, this unique underwater living space and laboratory has produced more than 300 publications and supported well over 100 missions. In addition, Aquarius Reef Base supports one of the world's longest running coral reef monitoring programs. The base's mission is five-fold:
- Scientific Research, with a focus on assessing long term change, and studying the effectiveness of restoration and protective efforts.
- Ocean and Coral Reef Observing, with long term surveys that assess changes over time.
- Undersea Tech Development, with a focus on observing, forecasting, and exploration, along with reef monitoring and restoration.
- National Training for divers specializing in forensics, national defense, and science.
- Ocean Education and Outreach, providing a window to the undersea world and engaging people from all walks of life.
This incredible underwater structure was built in 1986, in Victoria Texas. It was initially set in the Salt River Canyon off St. Croix, then, after being refurbished in Wilmington, NC, it was deployed to its present position at Conch Reef four miles off Key Largo, in a research-only section of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Aquarius has been removed and refurbished a few times since its original deployment, and is marked with an unmanned Life Support Buoy which replaces the barge which once provided support. This 30-foot diameter discus buoy hosts a communications system, power generators, and air compressors. A surface-based support crew monitors the habitat and its aquanauts 24/7, and workboats visit the site almost every day.
The habitat itself is just 43 feet long and 9 feet in diameter; it contains about 400 square feet of laboratory and living space. Divers enter via a wet porch that remains open as equal air pressure inside Aquarius prevents water from entering. An inner lock provides storage and separates the lab and living space from the wet porch. A decompression chamber is also housed within the Aquarius structure.
For an aquanaut's eye view on the ocean outside Aquarius, you can check out the program's YouTube channel, and you can even like the program on Facebook. No matter where you like to dive, and no matter how experienced you are, you're certain to enjoy the ability to interact with the scientists and other professionals onboard Aquarius!