Submersible Launch at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Project Overview:
Wildpath, in collaboration with DOER (Deep Ocean Exploration and Research), is embarking on a groundbreaking mission with Dr. Sylvia Earle and her daughter Liz Taylor to explore the depths of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This expedition will utilize DOER’s innovative submersible, Deep HOPE, to conduct comprehensive research and documentation of the sanctuary’s marine life and ecosystems. The closest port for this expedition is Freeport, Texas.
Program Partners
- Wildpath
- Deep HOPE
- Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER)
Location
- Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Expected Time Frame
- Spring- early Summer 2026
Duration of Expedition
- 7 Days
Accommodation Needed
- 10 Researchers
Special Equipment Needed
- Licensed Captain; swim platform (hydraulic or stationary) or easy access to water; compressor (for scuba diving); crane to lower heavy equipment into water, sufficient deck space for two 3-person submersibles.
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
This expedition marks a significant milestone as it will be Dr. Sylvia Earle and Liz Taylor’s inaugural launch of Deep HOPE, a state-of-the-art submersible designed by DOER to democratize ocean exploration. Launching two Deep HOPE submersibles, Wildpath aims to test cutting-edge technology and push the boundaries of underwater research capabilities. By venturing into uncharted territory within the sanctuary, they seek to document species diversity and gain insights into the complex interactions shaping this underwater world.
Mission:
This mission will be the first launch of the new submersibles and contribute to a documentary for National Geographic on Dr. Earle and the Gulf of Mexico, revisiting deep coral sites not seen since the 1990s. This will need to be a research vessel or expedition style yacht with a crane capable of deploying two 3-person submersibles.
Applications:
The data collected during this groundbreaking expedition with Deep HOPE submersibles will provide unprecedented insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of previously unexplored marine environments. By documenting species diversity and interactions, researchers can enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems, potentially leading to the discovery of new species and the identification of critical habitats. This information is crucial for informing conservation strategies and policies to protect vulnerable underwater sanctuaries, and the successful deployment of Deep HOPE submersibles showcases the potential of advanced technology to democratize ocean exploration, making it more accessible for scientists and fostering broader participation in marine research.
Program Partners:
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