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Ocean Discovery League Newsletter | December 2024
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As the year ends, we reflect on our progress in accelerating ocean exploration worldwide.
Highlights from 2024 include:
- We secured a $1.2M NOAA IOOS grant to develop next-generation deep-sea sensors and cameras. This funding represents a groundbreaking milestone for advancing accessible, easy-to-use technology that is crucial for transforming how we explore and study the deep ocean. We are excited to announce that we have selected Blue Robotics as our engineering partner to develop these systems.
- We launched Accessing the Deep, a new training program for early-career participants in the Pacific region, offering tools and strategies for exploring waters below 200 m. The program features international expert-led training, research proposal development focused on accessible solutions, and personalized mentorship from regional and deep-sea experts to support long-term career growth in ocean science.
- NOAA and ODL formalized an MOU to enhance low-cost deep-ocean technology, create a comprehensive and strategic deep-sea exploration plan, and expand training opportunities to build a diverse community of ocean explorers. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to broadening access to ocean science and exploration.
- ODL Chief Scientist Brian Kennedy was named External Science Advisor for NOAA’s Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific campaign. His role supports this multifaceted science initiative, which aims to increase understanding and appreciation of Pacific Island waters through exploration, mapping, data sharing, partnerships, and innovative public outreach efforts.
- I joined DOSI’s 2024–2027 Advisory Board and am excited to help guide DOSI’s strategic initiatives and collaborations over the next three years. I also spoke about the importance of the deep sea with the S30 forum, which comprises Chief Sustainability Officers from some of the world’s most influential companies and aims to accelerate business action on sustainability.
We look forward to continuing these exciting projects and more in 2025! Thank you for your continued support of our work, and please consider including ODL in your year-end giving plans. Our critical work, now more than ever, would not be possible without your contributions.
We wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year!
Sincerely,
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Dr. Katy Croff Bell
Founder & President
Ocean Discovery League
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In 2024, our team completed a baseline database of seventy years of deep sea floor dive records to examine historical visual exploration efforts, patterns, and future needs. From this, we developed the methodology for the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals⎯10,000 targeted seafloor locations that, when visually explored, will provide an equitable and representative sample and establish the first complete characterization of the entire deep sea floor.
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What's Next? Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals Launch
In 2025, we will broadly launch the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals via an interactive platform for planning and communication. We will collaborate with global exploration partners and our community to begin targeting these locations for exploration while continuing to gain support for the methodology and approach.
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Low-Cost & Accessible Technology
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Our team received a $1.2 million grant from NOAA’s IOOS to develop a next-generation deep ocean sensor and camera system. We selected Blue Robotics as our partner to design and produce DORIS (Deep-Occean Research and Imagine System). We also launched the FathomNet portal and welcomed new Maka Niu users, including Ily Iglesias, Ralf Cordeiro, and Titus Canete. Additional collaborations, such as the Southern Ocean Expedition, may follow.
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What's Next? Deep-Ocean Research and Imaging System (DORIS):
In 2025, we will continue the development of DORIS, including early field testing and prototyping alongside our community and training programs. We will continue our support of FathomNet in collaboration with MBARI to accelerate the analysis of deep ocean video through artificial intelligence.
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This year, the Accessing the Deep program welcomed 12 participants from 10 Western Pacific locations, offering 10 weeks of training and mentorship from regional experts and a global team of deep-sea professionals. ODL also developed the Deep Sea Capacity Development Maturity Model, a first-of-its-kind evaluation tool for ocean science programs, with webinars and insights paving the way for its launch in early 2025.
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What's Next? Ocean Equity Initiative
In 2025, ODL will broadly launch the Maturity Model and present key insights at DOSI Day in Hong Kong. Additional training programs, including Dentacles and Tentacles in partnership with Sharks Pacific, will further expand capacity-building efforts in deep-sea research and conservation.
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ODL 2024 News & Publication Highlights
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The holidays and New Year might be approaching, but many exciting opportunities are still available!
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POGO-OceanX-OceanQuest Fellowship for Training on the Around Africa Mission
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), OceanX, and OceanQuest invite Early Career Ocean Professionals to join an advanced training program aboard the OceanXplorer, one of the world’s most sophisticated research vessels. This 2025 African research mission focuses on Essential Ocean Variables, biodiversity assessments, and advancing understanding of ecosystem health and climate challenges. Participants will engage in hands-on oceanography sessions, media training, and scientific projects.
Deadline: December 31, 2024
Mystic Aquarium-UConn Avery Point REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) Internship
Mystic Aquarium & UConn Avery Point are accepting applications for their Summer 2025 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Internship. Running June 2–August 8, the program offers mentorship, a $7,000 stipend, housing, and travel support. Apply at Mystic Aquarium REU with two recommendation letters, a transcript, and a career-focused essay.
Deadline: February 15, 2025
BristleCon 2025 in San Francisco
Join Sofar on January 23-24, 2025, for BristleCon 2025 at Sofar Ocean HQ in San Francisco! This is the second annual developer conference for the Bristlemouth community and will bring together ocean enthusiasts, scientists, engineers, and students interested in exploring the future of ocean technology. If you're working in ocean science or engineering or interested in an open standard for marine technology, BristleCon is for you. Learn More
The GOOD-OARS Summer School 2025
The next GOOD-OARS Summer school will be held in Penang, Malaysia, November 4-11, 2025. The school will be hosted by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies of Universiti Sains Malaysia (CEMACS) and is established under the Global Ocean Oxygen Decade (GOOD) and Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability (OARS) programs of the UN Ocean Decade. It aims to train the next generation of ocean oxygen and acidification scientists and researchers in the foundations of both fields, with instruction and lectures from world experts in a friendly setting for discussion. Learn More
Deadline: January 10, 2025
2025 UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program
The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) announces an incredible opportunity to work onboard research vessels at sea and in the shipyard and be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals. The U.S. Academic Research Fleet of UNOLS-designated research ships will host one long-term (approximately six months) and 12-14 short-term (2-12 weeks each) marine technical internships in 2025. To apply, complete the online application form.
Deadline: January 6, 2025
2025 E/V Nautilus Expedition Opportunities
In 2025, E/V Nautilus and the Ocean Exploration Trust will conduct several expeditions to explore the deep sea throughout the Western Pacific. Expeditions will target priority areas in Guam, the Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. There are multiple opportunities for participation in these expeditions.
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Thank You to Our Partners & Funders
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Our work, both above and below the water, is fueled by the support from several organizations and corporations who believe in our mission. We sincerely thank our donors, sponsors, and collaborators for their commitment to our mission.
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In addition to these partnerships, we received generous in-kind support from the law firm Foley Hoag LLP.
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Consider ODL In Year-End Giving
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We believe that if more ocean explorers and researchers from around the world have the opportunity and ability to explore their own deep-sea ecosystems with tools and technology that are low-cost and easier to use, then we will dramatically accelerate the pace of ocean exploration in critical areas.
A donation to Ocean Discovery League funds:
- A global, targeted approach to deep ocean visual observations.
- The next generation of low-cost sensor and system development.
- Ocean exploration training and capacity building programs.
Please consider supporting our work in your year-end giving plans. We couldn't do this without you!
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Our mission is to accelerate deep ocean exploration by developing accessible systems to broaden the community of those who explore and understand the deep sea.
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