Aquarius Habitat: 2003 Projects with the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration
The Aquarius is the only undersea laboratory dedicated to marine science operating in the world. Owned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and managed by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), Aquarius operates 4.5 kilometers offshore of Key Largo, Florida. The underwater laboratory is deployed next to deep coral reefs, 20 meters beneath the surface.
Aquarius provides life support systems that allow scientists to live and work underwater, in reasonably comfortable living quarters, with sophisticated research capabilities.
This year, two projects will be conducted that relate to the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration. The first is an essay contest, the second is in conjunction with the Girl Scouts of the USA.
