Spokesperson for the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Tim Gray announced that Dr. Robert Ballard, known for discovering the Titanic among other scientific breakthroughs, is ready to continue his effort to inspire the next generation of ocean explorers.
Ballard's newest program, Immersion Presents, will introduce local kids to the thrill of discovery and encourage them to pursue science-related careers.
Immersion Presents began in Monterey Bay last week, Gray said in a release, describing the program as cutting-edge, interactive, and educational. Dr. Ballard and a team of scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other institutions led the program using telepresence technology-a combination of satellite and Internet connections-to transport young people from Mystic Aquarium to a scientific expedition in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Gray added that students had the opportunity to explore, in real time, one of the planet's most spectacular and most important biodiversity hotspots, experience 100-foot-tall kelp forests, take a day trip out to the deep sea in NOAA's research vessel R/V Fulmar, and study endangered
marine mammals like the gray or blue whale and the threatened California sea otter.
"When kids see scientists in action, whether diving a kelp forest, exploring with an ROV, or getting up close to a whale, they immediately discover that being a scientist means much more than wearing a white coat in a lab," said Dr. Ballard in the press release. "With everyone talking about ‘going green,' now more than ever we need kids to get excited about the environmentally focused careers that will help protect the planet. Immersion expeditions show kids that science is not only far from boring or nerdy, it is absolutely essential to preserve one of our most threatened resources-the oceans."
"Encouraging kids to pursue careers in science is just as important as researching unique underwater ecosystems like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary," said Daniel J. Basta, director of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in the release. "The sanctuary program welcomes the opportunity to work with partners like Immersion Presents to introduce marine sanctuaries to the American public, especially young people. The marine environment here is unique, drawing people for its rich bounty, economic opportunity, recreation, and inspiration. Protection of these special places preserves them for use and enjoyment for generations to come."
For more information, visit http://www.mysticaquarium.org or www.immersionpresents.org.