While the world seems focused on space exploration, Philanthropists Eric and Wendy Schmidt are helping to make discoveries under the sea. Recently their group of scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) discovered at least four new deep-sea octopus species in a 100-square-mile-sized area off Costa Rica.
They established the Schmidt Ocean Institute in 2009, to invite scientists to make new discoveries, and photographers and artists to produce art for the world to understand the oceans health. Together they explore, create and document how the oceans around the world sustains life. "The oceans ensure the health of our planet," said Wendy Schmidt at the luncheon inside The Conservatory at the stunning Casa Del Mar Hotel By The Sea in Santa Monica.
Designed by PHX Architecture, this luxury dining venue offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the beach, Pacific Ocean and iconic Santa Monica Pier in the distance. It's a picturesque venue for meetings, receptions, weddings and birthday celebrations.
During the lunch, Wendy Schmidt enlightened attendees about how she became so fond of the life source the ocean provides to the world. Growing up in New Jersey, Schmidt fondly remembers driving on the Garden State Parkway to the ocean. 'I would sniff for the salty marine air as a little girl,' she shared. 'I responded to the life support system the ocean provides every time I was nearby, and I wanted to focus on discoveries under the sea.'
She became an avid sailor and scuba diver. As an award-winning sailor, Schmidt was on the Barcolana54, becoming the first woman and the first American to win the prestigious regatta. As the skipper of her boat the Deep Blue, she finished first in the world's largest sailing race.
Wendy extends her oceans-focused work through 11th Hour Racing, an organization she co-founded in 2010, to work with the sailing community and maritime industry to advance solutions and sustainability practices that protect and restore ocean health.
Through Schmidt Ocean Institute's pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, along with technological advancements, all the collected information is shared internationally for public engagement and education. Along with Philippe Cousteau's EarthEcho and The Bay Foundation, together they are working to raise awareness of ocean conservancy, education and research.
Schmidt Ocean Institute has a new research vessel, Falkor (too) that is helping advance global marine research by providing state of the art operational technology. Cruises the ship leads in 2024 include 'Unexplored Seamounts Of The Salas Y Gomez Ridge', 'Living Fossils Of The Atacama Trench', 'Microbes In Oxygen Minimum Zones', and 'Seamounts In The Southeast Pacific.'
Recent discoveries besides the four new species of deep-sea octopus includes underwater mountains off Chile's coast harboring abundant life, and new seamounts discovered in the High Seas. Using state-of-the-art mapping technology, scientists have discovered a new hydrothermal vent field.
The Schmidts have initiated and supported an 'Artist-at-Sea' program that provides immersive science experiences for artists onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too). The science expeditions offer a range of unique technology-based ocean research ripe for artistic exploration. The program has welcomed 51 artists since 2015. It inspires action, and fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between humanity and the marine environment.
Late last year, Schmidt Ocean Institute, in partnership with Nautilus Magazine, UNESCO, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, unveiled an ocean-themed exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach. The exhibition included 50 pieces from Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea collection representing the work of 23 artists. This art was exhibited both at the Miami Convention Center and at the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
“We were delighted to showcase art at Art Basel Miami Beach. With our Artist-at-Sea program, we harness the power of art to tell the stories of science,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “The Ocean influences and sustains all life on Earth, and we deepen an understanding and appreciation of our planet through these transformative and immersive art experiences.”
In addition to viewing some of the art at an exhibit at Casa Del Mar Hotel, attendees watched a film featuring Schmidt Ocean Institute’s award-winning “Climate Under Pressure” and “The Art of Exploration.”
After attending this eco-conscious lunch, attendees had a better understanding about the organization's focus on oceanic research, education and the preservation of marine biodiversity. A portion of the revenues from The Conservatory's lunch helped contribute to the mission.
To learn more about the latest discoveries and upcoming public events, go to Schmidt Ocean Institute.
