{"type": "project", "title": "Puerto Rico Deepwater Ecosystem Exploration Program (PRDeep)", "logoImg": "bafkreidnqcvijm7p7w3bkbl4mswrrae4mg4e4lofgmt5nsfiivrqikhgmq", "website": "https://prdeep.super.site/", "createdAt": 1714512139913, "credentials": {}, "description": "The project, named PR Deep (Puerto Rico Deepwater Ecosystem Exploration Program) aims to explore the largely uncharted deep-sea areas around Puerto Rico. Despite the Puerto Rico Trench containing the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean, it remains vastly under-explored, with only minimal study to date. It's just mind-boggling how little we know about it!\n\nThe project's central tool is \"Persephone,\" a recording device designed to withstand extreme underwater pressures, named after the Greek mythological queen of the underworld, who must travel to the underworld and back each year. We plan to begin by exploring a 3000 ft deep site southeast of Vieques Island to test Persephone's capabilities.\n\nOur goal is to capture video footage of deep-sea organisms, collect vital environmental data, and develop an affordable and efficient deep-sea exploration device. The broader goals include engaging the public through citizen science and expanding our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, which could have significant scientific and environmental implications. \n\nInitial funding is sought to cover essential costs, such as a pressure testing device, with plans for more ambitious future missions to explore even deeper sites. \n\nWe want to prove that you don\u2019t need an institution\u2019s approval to investigate what you believe matters. We believe in our capability to be active participants in discovering the answers we seek. Let's explore the depths of this beautiful and mysterious planet! ", "logoImgData": {}, "projectTwitter": ""}
Puerto Rico Deepwater Ecosystem Exploration Program (PRDeep)
The project, named PR Deep (Puerto Rico Deepwater Ecosystem Exploration Program) aims to explore the largely uncharted deep-sea areas around Puerto Rico. Despite the Puerto Rico Trench containing the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean, it remains vastly under-explored, with only minimal study to date. It's just mind-boggling how little we know about it!

The project's central tool is "Persephone," a recording device designed to withstand extreme underwater pressures, named after the Greek mythological queen of the underworld, who must travel to the underworld and back each year. We plan to begin by exploring a 3000 ft deep site southeast of Vieques Island to test Persephone's capabilities.

Our goal is to capture video footage of deep-sea organisms, collect vital environmental data, and develop an affordable and efficient deep-sea exploration device. The broader goals include engaging the public through citizen science and expanding our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, which could have significant scientific and environmental implications. 

Initial funding is sought to cover essential costs, such as a pressure testing device, with plans for more ambitious future missions to explore even deeper sites. 

We want to prove that you don’t need an institution’s approval to investigate what you believe matters. We believe in our capability to be active participants in discovering the answers we seek. Let's explore the depths of this beautiful and mysterious planet! 
Puerto Rico Deepwater Ecosystem Exploration Program (PRDeep)