Photos by Juan Trioche, Lauren Batte and camper Joey Zelenak

"Aquanauts: Exploring the Ocean Depths" opened the adventurous eyes of 16 aspiring explorers this summer. The summer camp for youth 10-to-13 was co-sponsored by NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and the Smithsonian Associates. The aquanauts delved into NOAA science in ocean exploration, undersea technology and marine life and resources. Captain Craig McLean, Office of Ocean Exploration director, visited with the campers too.

Paula Keener-Chavez, national education coordinator for ocean exploration, shared her undersea experiences, then listened as the summer Aquanauts described the topographical global map they had constructed from plaster. The campers also communicated with scientists via a satellite phone aboard a research vessel 50 miles offshore.

Aquanauts dissected squid, clams, earthworms and a frog to learn about the anatomy of marine and terrestrial animals. Lauren Batte (right), a member of NOAA Research's External Affairs team, was a camp coordinator.




Carol Baldwin, a Smithsonian fisheries biologist, showed the young explorers a preserved specimen of an Anglerfish, a fish that lives in the deep sea. The campers also had a behind-the-scenes tour of the Smithsonian fish collection.

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Date Last Updated: December 16, 2002 11:03 AM