High-Tech Submersibles On Display At The Oregon Coast Aquarium

At the opening of the Oregon Coast Aquarium's new UnderSea Explorer exhibit Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, visitors will explore DeepWorker and Aquarius, research vessels owned and operated by Nuytco Research Ltd.

Newport, Ore (PRWEB) June 12, 2003 - At the opening of the Oregon Coast Aquariums new UnderSea Explorer exhibit Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, visitors will explore DeepWorker and Aquarius, research vessels owned and operated by Nuytco Research Ltd. Aquarius, a three-person submersible, will be on display in the new exhibit gallery, while creator Phil Nuytten and the DeepWorker crew will take the one-person submersible into the Open Sea"shark tank in Passages of the Deep for public demonstrations to teach guests how the vehicle operates. DeepWorker and other manned submersibles are milestone creations in ocean exploration and conservation," Val Hodges, Dive Safety Officer for the Oregon Coast Aquarium, said. DeepWorker is special because it involves people, putting them right there, seeing with their own eyes the magnificent world we are allowing to slip away because its out of sight and out of mind."

In 1999, the National Geographic Society chose DeepWorker as the workhorse for their Sustainable Seas Expeditions, a five-year, multi-million dollar exploration of the 12 U.S. national marine sanctuaries in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, something that at that time had never been done comprehensively before. In addition to the Open Seas" demonstrations, Aquarium visitors will have the opportunity to climb aboard a life-sized model of DeepWorker for an additional $3.00. The model, on loan from Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, Inc., is a permanent fixture of the Aquariums new exhibit. This is a tremendous opportunity for visitors to experience first-hand some of the cutting-edge technology scientists use to explore the ocean," Hugh Dolly, Public Relations Officer for the Aquarium, said. The oceans are in trouble, but its this kind of technology that helps us better understand how important it is to save them."

Made up of several stations, the UnderSea Explorer exhibit uncovers the history of ocean exploration. Phenomenal deep-sea video footage and in-depth panel displays provided by National Geographic Channel help visitors better understand the mysteries of the deep. Highlighting this section is a salvage sub on loan from Oregon State Universitys Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center. A pictorial gallery of ancient diving technologies, donated by NOAA, gives visitors a better perspective on recent technological advances.

Next, an interactive lab will help visitors understand some of the challenges researchers face in ocean exploration. Through interactive displays, guests will learn about the properties of density and buoyancy, and discover the effect of depth on light, temperature, and pressure. Then, visitors will step onto the helm of a research vessel to gain insight into its operating systems. Here, guests will explore navigational equipment, SONAR, and other ocean monitoring technology used during research expeditions. Upon leaving the ships helm, visitors will experience some of the challenges scientists face as they try to collect samples using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Video footage provided by NOAA Vents Laboratory at the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center and other footage of deep-sea dives provided by the National Geographic Channel will introduce guests to how submersibles and ROVs work, and to the seldom-seen animals collected near hydrothermal vents. Finally, visitors will view historic and futuristic dive gear. They can compare vintage dive gear to modern dive equipment, including a state-of-the-art H.U.B. integrated diving system donated by Mares.

Setting the scene is a beautiful 40-foot mural painted by Oregon artist Michael Cole depicting some of the many animals found at deep depths off the Oregon coast, including a life-size giant squid. UnderSea Explorer allows guests to totally immerse themselves in the world of deep-sea exploration," Dolly said. This is a great opportunity for visitors to learn in a fun and exciting manner about a part of the planet that most of us dont or wont have an opportunity to experience for ourselves."

Later this summer, the Aquarium will launch the featured attraction of this exhibit: an immersion theater, an underwater submarine virtual reality ride. For an additional fee, guests take a virtual voyage in a simulated submersible. The theater creates the visual effect of going underwater as well as the movement of an action-packed simulator ride. For more information, call the Oregon Coast Aquarium at (541) 867-3474.

Presented by Charter Communications and National Geographic Channel, the new exhibit has a growing roster of sponsors including Bi-Mart, KMTR News Source 16, TLC Federal Credit Union, and KSHL.

As an American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited institution, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and a link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregons unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean preservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. Our objectives are to develop and pursue conservation, education and research programs of local and global significance; to foster an awareness and appreciation of Oregons coastal environment and the interdependence of our global ecosystem; and to serve as a community resource and recreational center. For more information, visit the Aquariums Web site at www.aquarium.org or call (541) 867-FISH.

###

PSA: 30 seconds

Newport, Ore-At the opening of the Oregon Coast Aquariums new UnderSea Explorer exhibit Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, visitors will explore DeepWorker and Aquarius, research vessels designed by Nuytco Research Ltd. Aquarius, a three-person submersible, will be on display in the new exhibit gallery, while creator Phil Nuytten and the DeepWorker crew will take the one-person submersible into the Open Sea"shark tank in Passages of the Deep for public demonstrations to teach guests how the vehicle operates. In addition to the Open Seas" demonstrations, Aquarium visitors and members of the media will have the opportunity to climb aboard a life-sized model of DeepWorker. The model is a permanent piece of the Aquariums new exhibit.

###