Keeping an Eye on the Monitor

A summer expedition to the USS Monitor gave the public an up-close and personal with researchers studying the historic shipwreck, 240 feet below the surface. NOAA’s staff produced a 16-minute video program that describes the Monitor, sanctuary, and the technology that was used on the expedition. More than 7,000 viewers tuned in to the Intranet and local PBS stations. Archived video from the expedition serves as an excellent educational tool for those who want to peak into a part of our maritime history. Scientists also produced photomosaics of the site that will serve as a tool to track the wreck’s deterioration over time. The mission was coordinated through the National Marine Sanctuary Program, University of Rhode Island and Institute for Exploration.