The Future

DELOS 1

The sea floor platforms, observatory modules, and instrumentation are currently under construction. The Near and Far field platforms are scheduled for installation in Autumn 2007.

DELOS 2

Please contact Dave Bailey and Henry Ruhl for discussions about the next generation of DELOS.

As the first phase of DELOS continues, many options for the future of the project are being considered. As part of this process, Vision and Mission Statements are in preparation, which will guide the development of DELOS over the life of the project.

The steering committee is evaluating the technical options for future deep-water observatories, including the development of observatories which can provide "live" images and data from the seafloor. We believe that the ability to get real-time data from the seafloor will make a major contribution to deep-water biology and education. This major step forward will be achieved through collaboration with the industry teams developing sub-sea networks.

As oil and gas exploration spreads into deep-water worldwide, new opportunities for the installation of DELOS observatories will become available. We are currently investigating opportunities for new locations, and will press for the inclusion of observatories as a means to support the informed use of deep-water resources.

Increasing the quality of deep-water data available, and gaining access to a wider range of sites, will make a major contribution to marine science and to our understanding of climate influences on deep-ocean life. As new developments occur we will post news here.