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Fifty feet under the ocean, about five miles off the coast of Key Largo, lies the underwater laboratory AQUARIUS. AQUARIUS is owned by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), operated and managed by the National Undersea Research Center - University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Here, "Aquanauts`` perform many experiments including monitoring the
condition of the coral reefs which are vital to keeping the oceans healthy . What makes AQUARIUS unique, is that this is an absolute life support environment.
Researchers can stay submerged for extended periods of time without the dangers of getting the bends. A man who has spent over 25 years exploring and working to protect the ocean, Peter
Emerson, will be spending fours days living in and diving around AQUARIUS. Peter was
appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve on the National Advisory Committee on the
Oceans and Atmosphere , which reported to the President and Congress. Recently he has traveled to the arctic circle, to experience Orcas face to face -- swimming with them. (see Men's Journal Oct. 97). Peter currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Quest
Foundatation, a new international education project devoted to exploration of the oceans. His upcoming magazine article will tell of the incredible experience of being an
"Aquanaut". AVATAR Productions is pleased to have been chosen to provide both land and underwater photography for what is sure to be a real adventure |
AVATAR Productions will also be videotaping this extraordinary event. Check