BENEATH THE WAVES, Towards the Future
Securing the Legacy & Launching the Next Evolution of FIU’s Aquarius Reef Base
THE MEDINA AQUARIUS PROGRAM
is a unifying force behind Florida International University’s leadership in advancing solutions to protect and conserve the world’s oceans and strengthen environmental resilience. By connecting groundbreaking research, education, and global collaboration in marine science, the Medina Aquarius Program provides a platform for the program’s scientists, students, and partners to transform our understanding of the world’s oceans while cultivating the next generation of global ocean champions.
At the heart of the Medina Aquarius Program is Aquarius Reef Base, a one-of-a-kind underwater research laboratory deployed 60 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This globally significant asset has provided unparalleled means to study marine life, test and develop stateof-the art technology and connect the public to the wonders of the ocean - all while inspiring the next generation of future scientists and ocean explorers worldwide. We need your support to ensure that Aquarius remains operational.
WHY IT MATTERS
From documenting coral’s responses to ultraviolet light and revealing how sponges filter entire reef systems in days, to capturing the rate of predator behaviors, research conducted at Aquarius has generated more than 800 peer-reviewed papers and inspired millions through live broadcasts and outreach initiatives. It is also NASA’s primary space analog for preparing for missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids.
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Missions
Universities, government agencies, private industry
800 Publications
Groundbreaking ocean science
10x More Dive Time
Saturation diving allows 9+ hours/ day underwater
Global Reach
1 million schoolchildren reached through virtual tours and live chats with aquanauts
Innovation Hub
Testing new underwater servers, robotics, and life-support systems
WHAT’S AT STAKE
If the Aquarius Reef Base disappears, the world loses:
• The only permanent platform for long-duration undersea research
• Access to valuable long-term observations and research related to the Conch Reef ecosystem – one of the beststudied coral ecosystems in the world
• NASA’s proven training ground for space exploration
• A real-world testbed for critical ocean and climate technologies
• A direct global connection to the wonders of the ocean
Without continued support, this irreplaceable resource could be lost forever — along with a world of discoveries yet to be made.
THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN UNDERSEA EXPLORATION – AQUARIUS 2
We are building the next evolution in undersea exploration. Aquarius 2 will:
• Increase depth capacity and crew size of the Reef Base
• Integrate cutting-edge ocean tech, including underwater data centers and autonomous vehicles
• Expand education and outreach to millions more worldwide
• Serve as a global hub for ocean science, engineering and astronaut training
• Allow for customization of dedicated, interchangeable laboratory pods that can support the diverse needs of client groups
This vision depends on securing operational funding for Aquarius today, while raising capital to launch Aquarius 2 tomorrow.
Aquarius 2 rendering
JOIN US IN PARTNERSHIP
FROM MISSION SPONSOR TO LEGACY NAMING
Fund annual operations and crew support
Sponsor specific research, research missions or tech deployments
Make a capital gift for Aquarius 2 habitat construction and infrastructure build out
Aquarius 2 renderings
JOIN US BENEATH THE WAVES
Preserve this one-of-a-kind global treasure for the next decade. Help us build the next chapter in ocean and space exploration. Your legacy can live 60 feet below the surface — and ripple across the world.
For more information, contact: Stephanie Cox
Assistant Vice President of Development
Florida International University Foundation 11200 SW 8th Street, MARC 5th Floor | Miami, FL 33199
805-252-5690 | stcox@fiu.edu
FIU Aquarius Reef Base 85932 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 aquarius@fiu.edu