About the
Association for Marine Exploration
The Association for Marine Exploration (A-ME) conducts and facilitates innovative scientific exploration of undersea environments. Through the novel application of advanced diving equipment and techniques, we provide unprecedented opportunities for research and discovery in ways not possible by conventional means. The overriding goal of this organization is to foster increased knowledge about the ocean and its inhabitants, enabling better understanding and more effective preservation of a wide range of marine habitats. The organization serves the scientific and diving community as a vehicle to obtain previously inaccessible data that enables new insights and discoveries about the underwater world.
A-ME is a non-profit organization in the state of Hawaii, and has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service for Federal tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Starting date 12 June 2003). It operates exclusively for charitable, scientific, and/or educational purposes.
The Board of Directors consists of the following leaders in the diving and research community: Joseph Dituri; Lisa Privitera, PhD; Richard Pyle, PhD; Amy E. Dituri; and John Rooney, PhD. These professionals are dedicated to improving our understanding of marine environments, and to exceeding the traditional limitations of scientific diving in a safe and efficient manner. The first major expedition organized entirely by A-ME, to explore the deep reefs of western O`ahu in the Hawaiian Islands, was completed in May of 2004. A series of dives to depths of 330-420 feet (100-120 meters) using closed-circuit rebreather technology provided an initial survey of the biodiversity inhabiting these deep-reef regions. We conducted two highly successful expeditions in 2005 (Taiwan and Kiritimati), and other expeditions are currently in various stages of planning (see the Research page of this site for more details). A-ME Directors and Advisors have extensive experience conducting and participating in scientific projects and expeditions to remote localities throughout the Indo-Pacific and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. Many of these expeditions have involved advanced diving technology to explore reef habitat at depths of 200-500 feet (60-150 meters), resulting in the discovery of dozens of new species. Results from these expeditions can be found among the extensive list of publications authored by Board Members. A-ME will continue to serve the research and diving community with updated information.