Broadening the Community
We strive to broaden participation in deep‑ocean exploration by collaborating with partners around the world to develop affordable, user‑friendly technology and training. By lowering the cost and complexity of deep-sea research, we can accelerate the rate at which critical ocean observations can be made and translated into actionable knowledge.
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Our capacity‑development programs provide tiered support—from introductory workshops and online courses to hands‑on expeditions and longer‑term mentorship. Together, these efforts are cultivating a new generation of ocean explorers whose diverse perspectives and expertise strengthen global stewardship of the deep sea.
Ocean Discovery League’s capacity development work tackles the persistent imbalance in who can explore and study the deep sea. By lowering technical and financial barriers, ODL fosters wider participation, cultivates local expertise, and speeds the pace at which vital ocean data becomes available. Our programs blend technology innovation with targeted training and mentoring, ensuring that early‑career researchers and community leaders gain both the tools and the skills to conduct deep-sea research below 200 meters.
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Central to this effort is a cycle of experimentation, feedback, and scale‑up. Our virtual pilot program of Accessing the Deep, launched in 2024, is already training participants from the Western Pacific to design low‑cost research plans, while a new benchmarking framework empowers organizations worldwide to measure—and steadily improve—the impact of their capacity‑building work. Together, these efforts form a replicable model that can be adapted to any region seeking to deepen its scientific reach.​​​
The Challenge
A handful of well‑funded institutions in high‑income countries have long dominated deep-ocean science. Steep equipment costs, scarce training opportunities, and a lack of shared metrics mean that many coastal nations cannot gather the information they need to manage resources, influence policy, or safeguard biodiversity. The result is a research agenda skewed toward regions with abundant funding, leaving vast swaths of the planet—and the communities that depend on them—under‑studied.
Our Strategy
ODL addresses these challenges through our two flagship programs:
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Accessing the Deep
Accessing the Deep delivers a 12‑week online course paired with four months of one‑to‑one mentorship. It equips early‑career ocean professionals with practical skills, community support, and a personalized research roadmap built around affordable technologies. Together, these programs provide a clear pathway for nations and individuals to join—and help reshape—the future of deep‑sea exploration.
Capacity Development Maturity Model
The Capacity Development Maturity Model establishes a sector‑specific evaluation model and guidelines that help organizations assess progress, pinpoint gaps, and demonstrate real‑world impact.
