In 2012, the world’s only undersea research station, the Aquarius Reef Base, lost its federal funding and was scheduled for closure, unless new funding could be secured.

Located next to a living coral reef 3.5 miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Aquarius is the only operating undersea laboratory of its kind. Aquarius allows scientists to live and work 60 feet underwater for up to two-weeks, performing research that would be impossible anywhere else on Earth. It has supported 114 missions since 1993 and is the scene of a number of critical scientific discoveries. From understanding the disappearance of coral reefs, to providing research on sea sponges, the source of multiple cancer drugs, to training NASA astronauts for space, Aquarius is one of the planet’s most important brain trusts.

The story of Aquarius needed to be shared with a mass audience—fast—so this national treasure could be saved.