Diving as a Tool for Science and Research

The development of scuba equipment opened up the marine world to scientists and adventurers alike. Many of the incredible ecosystems and maritime heritage sites protected by the National Marine Sanctuary System were first explored by divers, who strove to protect these beautiful places. Today, volunteers and NOAA staff rely on scuba equipment to dive deeper and perform critical scientific research to better understand our national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments.

two people in a decompression chamber

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of NOAA

diver holding on the side of a boat

Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of Dan Howard

diver swimming above a reef

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: NOAA

diver sitting on the side of a boat

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of George Sedberry

divers filmining a passing shark

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Photo: NOAA and Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum

diver swimming over a reef

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

diver examining a coral head

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: G.P. Schmahl/NOAA

diver surfaces from under water while a boat sits in the background

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: NOAA

diver taking a selfie

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

diver filming a reef while a school of fish swim around him

Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Clinton Bauder/BAUE

diver swimming by a coral reef

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Matthew Lawrence/NOAA

diver working on recovering the monitor cannon

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: NOAA

divers waiting on deck to enter the water

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: NOAA