them traction. 2016 has been a banner year
to date. In April, the organization co-facilitated a ship-to-shore broadcast exploring Fiji’s deep sea hydrothermal vents with some international heavy hitters: Schmidt Ocean Institute, ROPOS Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility, and Ocean Networks Canada. Researchers from Harvard University, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University and the University of Victoria were involved. On June 8, Fish Eye marked World
Oceans Day with a global cinematic first—the world premiere of a live, interactive giant screen feature (“Emerald Forest”). Hosted by IMAX Victoria, the dive was simulcast to the Vancouver Aquarium and giant screen theatres across Canada. It was also streamed online. Even before that, the Fish Eye
Project was racking up the milestones with school curriculum development, shipwreck dives and Irvine’s 2015 history-making underwater thesis defence that proved an international media sensation. “The thesis was crucial in putting
us on the map,” Irvine says. “People sat up and took notice there was something special going on.” The nonprofit continues to
professionalize its brand while carrying forward an authenticity and enthusiasm that’s hard to resist.
40 divers and non-divers, ocean enthusiasts, scientists, educators, conservationists and advisors. “We’re super lucky to
have volunteers with diverse backgrounds, some without any formal connection to oceans, who want to be part of a dynamic team that’s making things happen,” says co-founder and marine biologist Maeva Gauthier. There’s a natural ebb and flow to
participation but a dedicated crew has been at the helm from the beginning. While Fish Eye’s work may be
global in scope, Victoria is a good fit for home base. The region is home to marine habitat admired for its biodiversity and some of the best cold-water diving anywhere. Nearby sea-lion colonies, kelp forests and
salmon runs make for high-interest exploration. The city is also a burgeoning tech hub and creative incubator. It’s the ideal place to grow a new, disruptive model.
Pivotal partnerships What Fish Eye has lacked in capital, it has made up for in its ability to forge strategic partnerships. The team’s willingness to hustle and share its own brand of ingenuity with anyone who will listen—at tech events, innovation competitions, and conferences—has earned Fish Eye the respect of those in a position to lend a hand. “When you can’t throw money
at the problems, you have to find creative solutions,” Mike Irvine says. This startup mentality has gained
Top: From the ocean floor to IMAX, all
via an iPhone. Broadcasting
live to YouTube is easier than
ever with LTE cell services. Above: the Fish Eye
Team on location
Tech-volution Just as the team has evolved, so too has the technology. In the early days, ‘event tech’ meant cramming GoPro cameras into rudimentary underwater housing. Experiments with Internet protocol security cameras were short-lived when the video quality wasn’t there. Now, Fish Eye uses full- face intercom masks, high-definition handycams, and webcasting to get its broadcasts out online (via YouTube channel). Content can be consumed from any device. As the tech improves and the
vision expands, the aim is to take the model to professional dive sites, schools and marine facilities around the world. Multilingual broadcasts are expected to widen the net of engagement. The tech is completely mobile, so there are few practical limits on where it might go. If it comes down to imagination and passion, it seems there are few barriers the Fish Eye Project can’t breach.
www.divermag.com 27
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