Exploring Ocean Optics

From May 21 to June 4, sixty researchers will participate in a field experiment which is part of a five-year, ONR-sponsored initiative known as Coastal Benthic Optical Properties (CoBOP). Scientists will investigate optical properties associated with the shallow ocean floor with an overall goal of improving remote sensing and underwater imaging systems, such as those used by the Navy to aid in mine detection. Civilian spin-offs may include the creation of high-resolution underwater imaging maps of coral reef ecosystems, which will make it easier to spot diseases such as coral bleaching and white and dark band diseases. The experiment will be conducted from the Caribbean Marine Research Center on Lee Stocking Island in the Bahamas.