Here's just a small sampling of our research and projects.

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).

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

  • Access to 360° Video Footage on Oil Platform Reefs

  • Educator + Student Resources

  • In-Person Demonstrations

  • Media Content

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.