Subaqua

SubAqua is an international program and brand focused on underwater exploration, science, and education. Through submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), SubAqua supports research, conservation, and public engagement with the marine environment. The initiative works with universities, museums, and research institutes and maintains an open data portal for expeditions' marine data.

Founded in 2010 by divers, engineers, and educators seeking to democratize underwater exploration, SubAqua operates as a nonprofit with regional chapters and project teams that run expeditions, training courses, and citizen-science programs.

Technology and methods: SubAqua uses manned submersibles, ROVs, and AUVs with cameras, sonars, sensors, and photogrammetry rigs. Telepresence enables remote collaboration. Data collected—water quality, bathymetry, habitat mapping—are archived in the SubAqua Data Portal and shared with partners under open licenses when possible.

Activities include expeditions to coral reefs, kelp forests, and wrecks; educational programs for schools; professional training in subsurface safety and vehicle operation; and a residency program for early-career researchers.

Safety and governance: SubAqua follows risk assessment standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance with maritime authorities. Its governance includes a board of directors, ethics guidelines, and a code of conduct for participants.

Impact and reception: SubAqua contributes marine data sets, underwater mapping, and public outreach that support conservation. It faces scrutiny over resource demands, addressed through environmental assessments and partnerships aimed at minimizing disturbance.