MISSION

In the summer of 1999, the research vessel Odyssey set sail from the west coast of the USA. It began a voyage of discovery which will parallel the great scientific ocean voyages of history.

Using sophisticated scientific equipment and methodologies, the crew of the Odyssey embarked on a five-year global study of the world's oceans. The project has been developed by the Ocean Alliance, which brings to the task over a quarter of a century of experience in ocean research and conservation.

The research will address three areas of importance to oceanographic studies:

• Toxicology
• Genetics
• Bioacoustics

The findings will set baseline understandings which will inform future scientific research and environmental policy planning.

The Odyssey will be continuously linked on-line to the world, using interactive multimedia technology. As well as the internet, it will specifically connect to educational institutions and various scientific groups in the US and around the world.

The Voyage of the Odyssey will expand the boundaries of our knowledge of human impact on the world's oceans and their inhabitants.