Underwater Habitats
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Underwater Habitats PRINUL (La Chalupa) |
Marine
Resources Development Foundation has probably the most expertise and experience
in operating undersea habitats in the world. Since 1971, the Foundation
has been instrumental in designing and operating long term undersea missions
with a variety of habitat types.
Currently, the Foundation's MarineLab Undersea Laboratory is the longest-running continuously operational habitat in the world, having been submerged since 1985. The Foundation's other habitat, currently operated as Jules' Undersea Lodge, is a close second, in operation since 1986.
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Marine Resources Development
Foundation * PO Box 787 * 51 Shoreland Drive
Key Largo, FL 33037 (800) 741-1139 (305)
451-1139 FAX (305) 451-3909
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From 1971
to 1976, MRDF developed, built and managed the government-sponsored Puerto
Rico International Undersea Laboratory (PRINUL) program. This extensive
research program was designed to demonstrate the value of using undersea
habitats to inventory marine resources. Using the island of Puerto
Rico as a mini-continent, the project was meant to be a model for a similar
program for North America. Located on a 30-acre
site, the Foundation operated the most advanced undersea laboratory in
the world, the La Chalupa habitat. Designed and managed by Ian Koblick,
this habitat program achieved major accomplishments in the development
of ocean research and saturation diving technology.