Here's just a small sampling of our research and projects.
VIrtual Ocean Expedition (VOE)
VOE is an innovative educational program designed to enhance STEM engagement by bringing ocean exploration directly into learning environments by leveraging immersive technologies, like Virtual Reality and Remotely Operated Vehicles.
VOE Kits include:
VR Headsets equipped with 360° Video Footage and an Educational VR Game
Educator + Student Resources
In-Person Demonstrations
Media Content
VOE Programs:
The Living Platform — Through this program, students will learn how to pilot an ROV, identify species found offshore California, and dive beneath an oil and gas platform. In this immersive 360° dive, students witness how towering steel structures have become havens for marine life, transforming industry into vibrant underwater cities.
Guardians of the Ice — A rare look at Pacific walrus research in Alaska, blending Indigenous knowledge and science.
Cathedrals of the Deep — A dive into Catalina’s kelp forests, featuring a once-in-a-lifetime black seabass mating event.
California, Rigs to Reefs
The Blue Latitudes Foundation has conducted several expeditions to dive the offshore oil and gas platforms off the coast of California. These active platforms are home to thriving reef ecosystems and have been studied for over a decade by major universities throughout the state. In fact, California’s platforms “are among the most productive marine fish habitats globally,” according to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences in 2014. Learn more here.
SeaStar Research
The SeaStar Research Project is a diver-led initiative focused on monitoring sea star populations on California’s offshore oil and gas platforms. Sea stars play a critical role in maintaining healthy benthic ecosystems, but their populations have been decimated by Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS). Our project aims to investigate the presence and recovery of sea star species on California's offshore oil and gas platforms, and contribute critical data to ongoing efforts to list certain species under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2024, we completed our inaugural dive and recorded over 200 individual sea stars across California’s offshore platforms. All observational data has been submitted to our data partner, MARINe (Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network).
ROV Community Science Assessment
The Blue Latitudes Foundation is currently utilizing the DeepTrekker DTG3 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) as a tool to communicate the value of a healthy ocean to our communities through outreach and educational events. We also use the ROV to survey and explore depths beyond the limitations of recreational divers. Ultimately, this research helps us to better understand the marine environments that thrive in California, on both natural and artificial reefs.