Expedition members descending to the deep reef using trimix technical diving.

Expedition members descending to the deep reef using trimix technical diving. Trimix alters the proportion of breathing gases found in air by replacing some of the nitrogen with helium, an inert gas that helps reduce some of the pressure-related maladies of deep diving. With proper training, NOAA scientific trimix divers can explore the deeper reef to depths as great as 90 meters (295 feet). Image courtesy of Bonaire 2008: Exploring Coral Reef Sustainability with New Technologies.

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Bonaire 2008: Exploring Coral Reef Sustainability with New Technologies

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NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery

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