The International SeaKeepers Society believes that the key to protecting and preserving our oceans involves truly comprehending the complexities of the marine environment.  Fabien Cousteau, a member of SeaKeepers’ Scientific Advisory Council, recently declared, “people protect what they love, but how can they protect what they don’t understand?”  Deep Ocean Vehicle (DOV) expeditions are one way that scientists can literally witness, study and explore the ocean floor as never before.  Remote underwater vehicles allow researchers to observe complex adaptive marine ecosystems with virtual eyes and even collect samples of thrilling deep-sea organisms.  

In July 2011, SeaKeepers’ Director Patty Elkus and Scripps Institution of Oceanography co-sponsored a cutting-edge expedition utilizing Deep Ocean Vehicles (DOV).  Researchers deployed DOV “Patty” approximately 6.6 miles into the previously unexplored Sirena Deep of the Marianas Trench.  The successful mission discovered the deepest known presence of xenophyophores, the largest single celled organism in existence.   A highly technological recording device, called a DropCam photographed the DOV’s entire voyage providing a view of the ocean deep that has never been seen before.  This is just one example of the exciting research that can be accomplished by helping to sponsor a DOV.

Researchers estimate that a DOV mission requires approximately $150,000 to develop and implement; however, donations of any amount would help SeaKeepers reach this goal and explore the deep.   If you are interested in sponsoring a Deep Ocean Vehicle with SeaKeepers, please contact: Info@SeaKeepers.org.