NR-1 Arrives in Texas For Gulf Exploration
Nuclear Research Submarine NR-1, towed by Submarine Support Vessel (SSV) Carolyn Chouest, pulled into Galveston, Texas, on Feb. 25 to take part in an expedition to survey the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and other sites of interest in the Gulf of Mexico. “This mission is going to be exciting and full of new challenges for the Submarine NR-1, and the crew of SSV Carolyn Chouest,” said Lt. Paul M. Kutia, operations officer for NR-1. The Navy will work in collaboration with The Institute for Exploration, the University of Rhode Island, Immersion Presents, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary Program to broadcast their findings over live satellite.
Ballard to Explore NOAA's Flower Garden
Dr. Robert Ballard and an interdisciplinary team of scientists will explore the fascinating undersea landscape of NOAA's Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). One of the 13 U.S. national marine sanctuaries, the FGBNMS is located approximately 115 miles off the Texas/Louisiana coast. Named for its colorful corals and sponges, the sanctuary was targeted for exploration because of its unique geology and biology. Its geological history also makes it a viable location to search for evidence of early human habitation that could predate current evidence of North America's first inhabitants. This expedition represents a unique collaboration between the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)…
NOAA Launches New Marine Science Portal
View of the USS Monitor wreck, which sank on Dec. 31, 1862, and now teams with marine life. NOAA and Immersion Presents launched oceanslive.org, a marine science portal that offers live video and special content to educate people of all ages about the ocean, including national marine sanctuaries. Immersion Presents is an after-school science education program founded by ocean explorer Robert Ballard. "NOAA is excited to offer this dynamic Internet-based resource, which will allow students, educators and the public to share in the thrill of discovery while learning more about the natural and cultural treasures of our national marine sanctuaries and the underwater world," said NOAA National Marine Sanctuary program director Daniel J. Basta.
