The Power of Seeing: Experiences using video as a deep-sea engagement and education tool

Abstract

This paper describes initiatives underway at Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) in using video data as a tool for public engagement and education: live video streams from cameras on the seafloor, citizen science using video data, audience participation in deep-sea expeditions, and K-12 engagement through the Ocean Sense program. Live and archived video attract the majority of user traffic on ONC's website and can be leveraged to direct the viewers to other content and messaging, enhancing their engagement with the deep-sea environment. Public interest in scientific discovery creates a user base for citizen science initiatives, while educational audiences can be connected to both realtime and asynchronous learning materials. The power of live connections is also harnessed during research expeditions, which can be extended from the ship and the seafloor directly into the classroom.