Over the course of 2017 to 2021, Open Ocean researchers, partners, and collaborators embarked on numerous projects that aimed to work at the intersection of ocean science, technology, art, and society. The overarching focus of our work was to advance not only technologies, but also to bring new communities of people together to build a global—and equitable—community for deep-sea exploration. 

Some projects focus on the development and deployment of data collection systems, such as Maka Niu, Wayfinders, Envirome Monitoring with CRISPR Biosensors, Pontoon Explorers, Tracking Marine Snow, and Project Prometheus.

Other projects, such as Big Ocean, Big Data, Ocean AI, and TransparenSea deal with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to deal with large volumes of marine data.

Numerous projects created new storytelling devices and immersive experiences to connect people with the ocean, including LILLI, Micronauts, Connected Coral, Wheels of Poseidon, Meet the Ganimals, and 8-Koi-Gan.

Finally, we explore ways in which we can increase access to ocean exploration and research through people-centered, community-driven projects like My Deep Sea, My Backyard, Ocean Cultures, Boston Intertidal Exploration, Co-Design for Deep Sea Exploration, and the Global Deep Sea Capacity Assessment.