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Reimagining What is Possible

FIU Aquarius Reef Base allows marine scientists to leave the terrestrial world behind and live among their research subjects for days, even weeks at a time. It was deployed in 1993 by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, but in 2012, looming federal budget cuts threatened to surface the world’s last remaining underwater research lab. Recognizing the environmental and techological significance of Aquarius, FIU stepped in to direct operations in 2013. A year later, the university assumed full ownership, saving Aquarius from becoming a statistic as the world's last underwater habitat.

Today, FIU Aquarius is the crown jewel of the university's internationally recognized Marine Sciences Program and is providing the inspiration for a new era in underwater habitats. FIU is envisioning a coordinated network of undersea research habitats, here in the Keys and in oceans around the world. These habitats will provide scientists with the ability to observe, predict and manage ocean health at the level of resolution and responsiveness that’s never been possible before. Incorporating artificial intelligence, marine renewable energy and wireless data transmission, this next-generation habitat will expand opportunities for ocean science, technology development, and workforce training.

FIU is a place of power. People come here because they want to make a difference. It's a gift to have places like this, where people can move where they are in terms of knowledge. One of the things I like about this university is they have Aquarius, the world's only underwater research laboratory.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, President and Founder of Mission Blue / The Sylvia Earle Alliance

  • FIU Aquarius Reef Base

    Situated within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Aquarius provides invaluable access to one of the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on earth. It sits on the most extensive living coral barrier reef system in contiguous U.S. waters — third-largest in the world. Coupled with its unique capabilities, it is one of few sites ideal for undersea equipment testing and training for study and exploration in extreme environments. Above the habitat is its life support buoy, a critical surface component providing all of the essential utilities and communications to the underwater habitat.

    Notice to boaters and divers: 
    The portion of Conch Reef where Aquarius is sited is designated as a Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Preservation Area and is NOT open to diving, snorkeling or fishing.

  • FIU Aquarius Shore Base

    The shore base provides a staging area for marine operations and education and outreach activities. It includes:

    • Mission control — a watch desk that is staffed 24/7 during missions, monitoring life support buoy data, life support parameters inside the habitat, communications, and science data from the seafloor.  
    • 120 linear feet of dockage for the research fleet
    • Compressors for filling air and Nitrox cylinders
    • Dive locker and scuba equipment service area
    • 72-inch hyperbaric recompression chamber
    • 345-square-foot classroom

Explore FIU Aquarius

The 360-degree images allow you to splash down to Conch Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and visit FIU Aquarius Reef Base, its life support buoy and the adjacent coral reefs.

Exterior

Click and drag to explore the outside of Aquarius Reef Base.

Interior

Tour the inside of Aquarius reef base. 

Sponsors & Partners

Through the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to continue to enhance operational capabilities, fund critical research, support student opportunities and inspire ocean advocates through citizen immersive experiences.

We are looking for science, conservation, industry and media partners who share a commitment to advancing marine science, engaging the public through novel educational programming and continuing the human legacy of living and working beneath the sea. We're open to great ideas that enlighten, inspire and result in meaningful change. To learn about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact aquarius@fiu.edu.

Special thanks to those of have supported our program: