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In pursuing this study, it made sense to conduct a search for existing visualizations done in the marine sciences. Here I have divided visualizations into distinct categories and have covered a small number of existing works of art and science. Eventually this list will grow as I collect more information. I have chosen a variety of examples that are well documented.

Having a background in the arts, I view these works with a designer's eye. The examples shown here are not the most elegant and visually appealing works of art. But I have put this list together to get a sense of what's out there. The best visualizations of marine life I have seen come from drawings, documentaries, underwater and satellite photography, and animation films. But this list focuses on visualizations based on unseen information, such as those based on numerical data, relational layers of data, information that the human body cannot sense and more.

Earth is made up of 72% water and still most of our oceans remain unexplored. The ocean is a harsh environment and is inaccessible to us. But in the past 50 years due to technological advances, we are now able to see parts of our ocean planet that have never been seen before. In pursuing this study, I hope to find ways to make this information about our planet accessible to all. My main goal is to integrate art and science, to create works of art that communicate and educate scientific ideas about the marine environment. With visualization, scientific data can be better communicated.

Visualizations currently covered here are: 3d modeling and animation, ecosystem modeling, maps, satellites-remote sensing, mapping GIS and video games.

ARTIFICIAL FISHES
In this work, Demetri Terzopoulos has created a virtual marine world, where fishes are completely autonomous and self-taught. Different algorithms were created to give each fish the ability to learn. Locomotion of actual fish was studied in detail and applied to each fish's motor skills. Behavior and perception are more rudimentary. Within the fish's brain are intention generators and behavioral routines which give fish goals such as eating and mating, or avoiding danger. Sensory perception is not accurate to actual fish. Vision is limited to 300 degrees. Fish can also sense temperature. These senses give enough ability for fish to react to the 3D virtual environment. There are 3 basic types of fish created for this environment: predators, prey and pacifists. Within this system, complex interactions can be observed without any human manipulation.

LINKS:
Demetri Terzopoulos
http://www.mrl.nyu.edu/~dt/

Artificial Fishes
http://www.mrl.nyu.edu/~dt/alife.html

THE SALMON PROJECT
Sea-Air-Land Modeling and Observing Network

A program at the University of Alaska that creates ocean-observing systems in the Northern Gulf of Alaska such as simulations of oceanic and atmospheric circulation and ecosystem modeling. They provide real-time data, images and observations and collect data to create models for forecasting. Data collecting instruments include HF Radar, current meter moorings, hydrographic moorings, meteorological sensors, autonomous vehicles and satellites. The program was created to promote research and education, community and environmental awareness.

LINKS:
The SALMON Project
http://www.ims.uaf.edu/salmon/

The Coastal Gulf of Alaska Circulation Model
http://www.ims.uaf.edu/salmon/modeling/modeling.html

SUBMARINE RING OF FIRE
An expedition team of of U.S. and Canadian scientists used new seafloor mapping systems, an autonomous vehicle, and a remotely operated vehicle to investigate the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The "Ring of Fire" is made up of volcanic ridges forming the Mid-Ocean Ridge system where new ocean crust is born. Three-dimensional and bathymetric maps of Explorer Ridge can be viewed on the site.

LINKS:
Submarine Ring of Fire
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02fire/welcome.html

Explorer Ridge, 1st phase of the exploration:
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02fire/logs/leg1_sum/leg1_sum.html

Bathymetric Maps
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02fire/logs/jul03/jul03.html

MARINE MAMMAL HABITAT STUDIES
In collaboration with the Alaska Ecosystems Program, scientists have been tracking the movement of northern fur seals for almost a decade. Through the combination of data from satellites of ocean conditions, northern fur seal movement, and actual close observation with the animals, scientists are able to study where they live, how they reproduce and survive. Satellite tracking provides the scientists another form of data that helps them in their research efforts in understanding the species and their relationship to the environment.

LINKS:
Marine Mammal Habitat Studies
http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/science/whale.html

Seals, Sea Lions and Satellites
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/features.cfm?feature=13

Alaskan Ecosystems Research Program
http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/AlaskaEcosystems/akprog.htm

NASA Ocean Surface Topography from Space
http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html

CORAL REEFS
Coral Reefs, the rainforests of the ocean, are homes to a diverse number of species. Today, more than two-thirds of the world's reefs are severely damaged or are under risk. Climate change, human stresses, over-fishing, pollution all contribute to the further degradation of these habitats. Geographic Information System (GIS) has been useful in studying the complex interactions that takes place in these dynamic habitats. GIS helps us analyze, understand and see new relationships through the layering of complex data.

ReefBase is the official database of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the International Coral Reef Action Network. ReefBase is an online information system and encyclopedia on coral reefs and its resources. It was created to aid reef management, research and conservation. There is a wealth of information available online: online mapping-system, GIS data, publications, maps, and photos.
http://www.reefbase.org/

National Center for Carribean Coral Reef Research has a strong focus on science visualization to aid their research in the complex interactions of coral reef habitats and the communities that depend on them. 3d simulations and GIS are used.
http://www.ncoremiami.org/

LINKS:
Mapping the Decline of Coral Reefs
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/Coral/coral.html

Coral Reefs in Danger
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/features.cfm?feature=9

ECCO THE DOLPHIN
The game is set on a futuristic Earth where the Guardian, the source of the Earth's defences, has been shattered by an extraterrestrial race from a far-off galaxy. The enemy has made many attacks on Earth shattering the planet's protective crystal. Ecco the dolphin must collect the pieces of the crystal, restore the Guardian and save the planet. According to several game reviews, the game has excellent 3D graphics, but ranks low in gameplay experience.

LINKS:
http://www.gamingmaxx.com/reviews/dc/eccokl.htm
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/eccothedolphindotf/
http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/ecco/