**Announcement of Opportunity for Collaboration**

**Sustainable Seas Expeditions**

**Introduction**

The National Geographic Society's *Sustainable Seas Expeditions* (*SSE*)
is a five-year, public-private effort to use manned submersibles to
explore the coastal waters of the United States, with emphasis on the
nation's National Marine Sanctuaries. Dr. Sylvia Earle, National
Geographic Explorer-in Residence will lead the expeditions whose goals
are to create awareness of the inextricable link between human health
and ocean health, to inspire an ocean ethic, to assist in the
development of ocean monitoring protocols, and the establishment of a
national system of ocean monitoring sites.

*SSE* has been funded by an initial grant from the San Francisco-based
Richard & Rhoda Goldman Fund, complemented by additional financial and
outreach support from the National Geographic Society. The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has committed personnel,
ship support, and other in-kind services and expertise. Since the
announcement of the program on April 23, 1998, several leading
institutions have indicated their willingness to provide additional
assistance to *SSE*, including the US Navy, NASA (Mission to Planet
Earth), Jason Foundation, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute,
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory, Center for Marine
Conservation, SeaWeb, Education Management Group, and the Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution.

*SSE* will be organized into three phases over the period 1998-2003.
Phase I, April 1998 through December 1999, will begin with project
planning, submersible pilot training and its first field season. During
the 1999 field season, two *DeepWorker* submersibles will be used to
explore the twelve marine sanctuaries with emphasis on better
understanding species composition and abundance as well as to assist in
developing sanctuary program monitoring protocols.

In Phase II, January 2000 to December 2002, the project will extend the
characterization of sanctuary habitats, focusing on large pelagic
animals (including whales, sharks, rays, and turtles) and comparing
habitat requirements among sanctuaries. The project will begin
implementation of monitoring protocols and will visit no-take zones to
check on system health or change.

In Phase III, January to December 2003, the project will shift focus
from exploration and data gathering to data analysis and interpretation.
A major campaign will be focused on public outreach and education. A
final project report will document findings and recommendations for
future or continued exploration and data gathering.

Through this Announcement, the program continues to actively solicit
partnerships with other government agencies, private foundations,
academia and industry to broaden the collaborative effort.

**Purpose of this call for collaborative projects**

During this planning phase, we seek collaboration with researchers who
actively work in marine sanctuaries in an effort to complement and
partner with those engaged in exploration and research related to
resource management in marine protected areas. Such research might
include investigation of refuges from commercial harvesting,
documentation of critical cultural sites, obtaining baseline data on
species distribution and abundance, documentation of rare or essential
habitat or species, etc.

We are interested in collecting as much information as possible
regarding ongoing or recently completed monitoring projects within the
marine sanctuaries. *SSE* may be used to extend the range of an ongoing
monitoring project, complement an existing project with additional data,
or develop a new exploration, monitoring, or research project.

This call for collaborators is aimed at bringing forward those projects
for which the *DeepWorker* submersibles could be a tool to conduct
research in the National Marine Sanctuaries.

**Opportunities provided by *SSE***

For selected projects, *SSE* will provide time on the *DeepWorker*
submersibles or support vessels to assist in collecting data for ongoing
deep-water research projects. Other researchers may be interested in
having scientists from the *SSE* team collect data in the deep water
range that complements data collected from shallow sites (\<100 ft.).

The National Geographic Society may assist researchers through its
print, internet and television media capabilities. Use of these
capabilities may allow some research or monitoring projects to be
highlighted through the National Geographic Society and other partners.

NOAA and NASA will make available remote sensing, oceanographic and
climatic data where useful to support research objectives.

*SSE* is also interested in identifying collaborators who, although they
may not choose to directly use *DeepWorker*, would like to combine their
research with that conducted via the submersibles. For example, a
scientist may be conducting deep water research on a west coast fishery,
and would like to obtain information on similar species that will be
studied by the *SSE* in an east coast marine sanctuary.

Finally, *SSE* would like potential collaborators to consider the
five-year planning horizon of the expeditions, and suggest possible
projects that might be in the early stages in project design.

**Research focus areas**

The outline below is to assist researchers to develop a plan for
collaboration with *SSE*. There are three components to the expeditions:
(1) exploration (2) developing ocean observatory and monitoring sites,
and (3) research on a resource management issues. Components implemented
in specific sanctuaries will depend on the project reviews and site
priorities.

*(I) [Ocean Observatory and Monitoring Sites]{.underline}*

These monitoring sites will vary in complexity depending on the
resources available at each Sanctuary. It is likely that certain
instruments will be installed at each site to measure important water
quality parameters (e.g. temperature and organic contaminants), but,
though it should be repeatable, detailed biological assessments will be
site specific and vary in extent.

The purpose of this *SSE* research component is to assess long-term
trends in Sanctuary resources, particularly in relation to infrequently
visited habitats (i.e., \> 100 ft.). Projects should address the *SSE*
goal of establishing field monitoring stations and address the National
Ocean Conference (NOC) and Marine Sanctuary Division (MSD) interest in
characterizing ocean resources.

*(II) [Exploration]{.underline}*

Exploration could include diving in shallow to deep water, at the Marine
Observatory site and elsewhere, using video and narration to describe
the biology, habitats and other unique observations. Long term
observations at one location (e.g., continental shelf edge or kelp
forest) should also be considered. Some sites may have cultural or
biologically unique sites to be explored. This aspect of the project
will be implemented in the field by the SSE Project Director, Sanctuary
staff, and/or guest specialists.

The purpose of this *SSE* research component is to document the
resources of the National Marine Sanctuaries and capture the imagination
of the general public. This project should address the *SSE* and NOC
goal of exploring the Sanctuaries using submersibles, provide
appropriate material for the National Geographic Society partner and
general education programs, and assist in the MSD priority of
documenting natural and cultural resources.

*(III) [Research on a Resource Management Issue]{.underline}*

These projects will vary with specific research needs at each site
(contact local Research Coordinators), and the results of this
Announcement. The purpose of this SSE project component is to address
priority issues of the MSD (i.e., marine protected areas and cultural
resources) and address the overriding theme of SSE, linking ocean health
to human activities.

**Specifications of the *DeepWorker* submersible**

*DeepWorker* is a one-person, one-atmosphere, Directly Operated Vehicle
(DOV) with the capacity to dive to 2000 feet. It is completely
tetherless in normal operation, but can be fitted with an optic fiber
cable of lead-pencil size for video or data transmission. Dive length
depends battery power, but typically lasts from 4-6 hours. DeepWorker is
capable of both day and night operations.

Nuytco Research Inc., the designers of *DeepWorker,* have over two
decades of experience with submersibles design and were involved in the
early development of the first work-class ROV (Saab-Sub), the ADS Jim,
Jet-Jim, Wasp, Deep Rover, Sea Urchin Sea Otter and Remora.

Vehicle specifications:

Length 8.25 ft. (2.4 m)

Beam 5.3 ft. (1.6 m)

Height 4.5 ft. (1.35 m)

Weight in air 0.9 tons

Operating Depth 2000 ft. (600 m)

Payload 250 lb. (114 kg)

Life Support 106 person hours

Speed 3 - 4 knots max.

Accommodation: 1 person (pilot)

Systems Description:

1.  Pressure Hull: 36 inch sphere attached to a 24 inch diameter by 18
    inch long cylinder. Manufactured of A516 grade 70 steel with 316
    steel hatch rings

2.  Power Source: Two 16 inch diameter battery pods, each containing 10
    high-ampere, deep cycle, AGM batteries. Nominal voltage 240/24/12.

3.  Maneuvering Control: Two main 1 H.P. thrusters, plus two angled 1
    H.P. vertical thrusters, angled sufficiently to give lateral
    control. 200 c. ft. ballast air provided to fill constant volume
    tanks.

4.  Life Support: Two oxygen cylinders carried externally. Two
    redundant, mechanical oxygen controllers with electronic monitoring
    (analog back-up) internal. Carbon dioxide removed via two scrubbers.
    Emergency breathing gas via air BIBS. Life support exceeds four
    days. Rescue of a trapped DOV can be made by a ROV, a second DOV, a
    submersible flown in on a "Subsmash" program, or any combination. If
    none of these recovery options are available, the pressure hull is
    separable from the frame and battery pod and would rise to the
    surface.

5.  Viewing: Single 26 inch vision dome which serves as entry hatch.

6.  Sonar: "Modified" Imaginex switchable from standard scan to ultra
    high resolution short range scan. Directional hydrophone.

7.  Manipulators: Equipped with "Newt-Arms", anthropomorphic, water
    powered manipulators. Standard reach 7 feet, extendible to 14 feet.
    Multi-function, with wrist lights and video standard.

8.  Communications: Surface- ICOM VHF; Sub-Surface- Orcatron UQC and 27
    KHZ.

9.  Optional Equipment: Tracking beacon, Xenon strobe, pinger,
    magnetometer, burial/excavation pumps, sampling equipment, including
    an ability to measure salinity and temperature, precision laser
    measuring system, pipe tracker, explosive attachment life bag
    salvage modules, U/W cutting module, hydraulic cutters/tools, and a
    variety of photographic equipment.

**Obligations of researchers**

All researchers intending to operate the *DeepWorker* submersible must
complete training hosted for *SSE* by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research
Institute, near Monterey, California. For each pilot, training will be
one week in duration during the period October 5 \-- December 15, 1998.
Training sessions will include classroom instruction, practice sessions
in large tanks, and training in the open ocean. *SSE* cannot provide
travel, meals or lodging to obtain this training.

Depending on the number of research projects selected and the special
needs of pilots, we intend to train enough people to complete projects
selected for the first year of *SSE* during this initial training
period. Additional training opportunities will occur later in the
project for pilots who may not dive until later years.

Specific qualifications for pilots will be made available to selected
researchers. At this time we are requesting potential pilots to identify
previous experience both in submersibles and as well as SCUBA. In
addition, we will need to know if a proposed research project requires
that specialized equipment be mounted on the submersible for conducting
underwater research.

If the potential collaborator does not intend to pilot *DeepWorker*, but
nonetheless needs *SSE* to assist in ongoing research, adequate
information on the project will have to be provided so that another
pilot/scientist is able to collect requested data.

Collaborators will be asked to submit three reports on their progress
and findings. During each site visit, all researchers will be provided a
Quick-Look Report form, which should be complete by the end of the
visit. The Quick-Look Report provides project and sanctuary staff with a
brief summary of activities, significant findings, an evaluation of the
expedition, and recommendations for project modification. Collaborators
will also be asked to submit six-month and twelve-month reports on their
projects, and should include, where appropriate, recommendations related
to science and management in national marine sanctuaries. They will also
be notified of annual information transfer workshops. These workshops
offer the opportunity to present papers or project summaries and attend
discussions on other *SSE* project activities.

**Submittal requirements**

Please complete the attached form and submit the information either
electronically (preferable) or in hard copy (if in hard copy, please
submit three \[3\] copies of the proposal). Your submission may include
ancillary material (e.g. reprints, if appropriate) or additional pages,
but should be as brief as possible. Although the deadline to submit this
information is August 31st, submissions are encouraged at any time
before this date.

Please note that the Sustainable Seas Expeditions does not provide
direct financial assistance for research projects.

**Disposition of data**

During the expeditions, the Mission Chief will be responsible for the
data quality, disposition and archiving of data and samples collected
aboard the ship for the primary projects. Copies of these data will be
provided on request to participants on the cruise and to any other
requesters.

The Commanding Officer will provide the Mission Chief with a single copy
of all data collected by ship\'s personnel. The Mission Chief will
provide the Commanding Officer a list of all data collected by the
scientific party.

For NOAA sponsored cruises, oceanographic data sets and related
information collected are considered to be in the public domain per
requirements of the Federal Ocean Data Policy and NOAA Administrative
Order 216-101. Principal investigators will have the opportunity to
process, analyze or publish their own data sets but it will be
understood that data bases will eventually be available to the larger
scientific community within 2 years and archived at the National Ocean
Data Center (NODC).

Principal Investigators, for each project are required to submit an
inventory of data collected within 60 days of collection and a data set
for archival within 2 years of collection.

Video and still imagery collected during the expeditions shall remain
the property of the SSE, but copies will be made available on request to
Principal Investigators.

**Review process**

Proposal review will involve: (1) an initial screening for completeness
and alignment with project goals by the Science Team of the National
Marine Sanctuary Program, (2) review by marine sanctuary staff (in
collaboration with local science advisory committee or colleagues) and
the SSE project team, and (3) review of recommended proposals by a small
project technical advisory committee. Annual review workshops are
planned as part of the Sustainable Seas Expeditions as an outreach
mechanism allowing scientists and other interested parties to learn
about project findings, to revise future project plans and to discuss
how to apply the findings to improve ocean conservation and management.

**Review schedule**

July 15, 1998 Distribution of Announcement of Opportunity for
Collaboration by sanctuaries and SSE team

August 31, 1998 Proposals due - address correspondence to:

Dr. Steve Gittings, Science Coordinator

NOAA/Sanctuaries Division

SSMC-4, N/ORM2

1305 East West Hwy., Rm. 11535

Silver Spring, MD 20910

email: sgittings@ocean.nos.noaa.gov

September 1, 1998 Distribution of proposals received to marine
sanctuaries and project team for initial review

September 5, 1998 Initial review completed; recommendations forwarded to
SSE Advisory Committee

September 9, 1998 Review of recommended proposals by SSE advisory
Committee

September 14, 1998 Notification of selected collaborators of proposal
status and pilot candidate selection

***SSE* Schedule - Phase I**

October - December 1998 Pilot training in one-week sessions

January 19 - 22, 1999 Scuba Dive Expedition of the American Samoa NMS

April 1 - 19, 1999 Expedition begins with *DeepWorkers* at Monterey NMS

April 20 - May 7, 1999 Channel Islands NMS

May 8 - 25, 1999 Gulf of the Farallones NMS

May 25 - June 10, 1999 Cordell Bank NMS

Late June/early July, 1999 Olympic Coast NMS

July 14 - 21, 1999 Monitor NMS

July 27 - August 10, 1999 Gray's Reef NMS

August 15 - 30, 1999 Flower Garden NMS

TBD in August, 1999 Scuba expedition at the Thunder Bay NMS

September, 1999 Florida Keys NMS

October, 1999 Stellwagen NMS

November, 1999 NGS/NMS Expedition Workshop

Winter, 1999 Hawaiian Humpback Whale NMS

Project continues through 2003

**Contact information**

To discuss capabilities of submersibles and support vessels, contact
Todd Jacobs (tjacobs@ocean.nos.noaa.gov)

To discuss the proposals or the proposal review process, contact Steve
Gittings (sgittings@ocean.nos.noaa.gov)

To discuss the research priorities of the individual marine sanctuaries,
contact the site directly. For contact information for the sites, call
the Marine Sanctuaries Division at 301-713-3125 and dial "0."

To discuss education and outreach related to the SSE, contact Justin
Kenney (jkenney@ocean.nos.noaa.gov)

To discuss the Sustainable Seas Expeditions and partners, contact
Francesca Cava (Francesca_Cava@hazmat.noaa.gov)