Marine Technology Program

Extending our reach and senses into the underwater realm is a goal for our education and research programs alike. NEMO or Noyo Education Marine Observatory, developed partly in collaboration with the FBHS robotics club, gives us this ability. Deployed at sea from a boat, NEMO transmits live video, sound and instrument data from up to 300ft beneath the surface to a monitor above, giving those aboard a chance to discover the marine environment first hand as well as monitor data related to ocean health and climate change. We are bringing the ocean to people in a realistic and immersive way utilizing the tools of VR and panoramic video. This is a new, compelling approach to creating genuine interest in marine conservation – an approach that bridges the gap between imagination and discovery. Noyo Center has taken the first steps by creating a low cost underwater panoramic video recording platform. When used in conjunction with VR goggles, it has given members of the public and our school kids the feeling of being in the water (a difficult thing on the north coast with rough seas, cold temperatures, and white sharks!). As we continue to improve our equipment and share this with the public, our goal is to leave people with a true understanding of the beauty of our underwater habitats and the value of a healthy ocean to our community.

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