Coral Reef Street View
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Google Maps has teamed up with the Catlin Seaview Survey to create 360-degree panoramas of coral reefs around the world.
Coral Reef Health
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
The underwater images will help researchers measure the health of coral reefs.
Great Barrier Reef
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
The team has explored the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and is currently exploring the southern Caribbean.
Dying Coral
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Climate change and coastal development pose a serious threat to coral reef ecosystems.
Underwater Cameras
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
A human-driven underwater scooter equipped with sophisticated cameras is used to capture the photos.
Virtual Exploration
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Anyone with Internet access can virtually explore these vibrant coral reef environments.
Coral Reef Life
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Coral reefs are home to many different species, including tropical fish and manta rays.
Overfishing
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Overfishing is taking a toll on reefs, which depend on fish to keep algae populations in check.
Mammal Life
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
The reef is home to mammals as well.
Citizen Scientists
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Regular citizens can help scientists keep track of the wildlife that call the reefs home.
Image Recognition
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Scientists are using image recognition software to identify corals and other organisms.
Appreciating Coral Reefs
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Less than 1 percent of humans have ever dived on a coral reef, according to project leader Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a reef scientist at the University of Queensland, Australia.
Public Awareness
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
One of the project's aims is to increase public awareness of the threats coral reefs face.
Monitoring Reefs
Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey
Over time, scientists will be able to measure how the reefs respond to pressures from the environment.