This browser does not support the video element.

How a marine biologist uses Google Maps to explore under the sea

A man in a water suit and snorkel swims underwater while capturing footage of coral reef and different types of fish with a water camera.

This browser does not support the video element.

This browser does not support the video element.

Just below the water lies a mysterious geologic formation: a blue hole.

A biodiversity hotspot, blue holes protect thriving ecosystems from damaging currents, storms and predators.

Aerial view of a blue hole in the Great Barrier Reef, slowly zooming into its center.

Aerial view of a blue hole in the Great Barrier Reef, slowly zooming into its center.

This browser does not support the video element.

These underwater sinkholes give researchers a rare look at ocean life and how we can protect it. Until a few years ago, only two blue holes were documented in the entirety of the Great Barrier Reef.

Aerial footage showing a long stretch of ocean and several coral reef areas along the Great Barrier Reef.

This browser does not support the video element.

With the help of Google Maps, marine biologist Johnny Gaskell and a team of researchers are finding previously unknown blue holes.

A boat is seen in the ocean from above. Then, marine biologist Johnny Gaskell is seen talking to his crew and using Google Maps on a cellphone, pinching the screen to zoom in on a blue hole on the map.

This browser does not support the video element.

Spotted using Google Maps' satellite view, the perfect circles along the reef indicate a potential blue hole.

Google Maps' satellite view shows different areas along the Great Barrier Reef before zooming in on a circle which is likely a blue hole.

This browser does not support the video element.

“There’s still so many spots out in the Great Barrier Reef that are unexplored.”

Johnny Gaskell, Marine Biologist

Sequence of aerial clips show multiple blue holes found in the Great Barrier Reef.

This browser does not support the video element.

This browser does not support the video element.

Upon arriving, the team discovered healthy coral formations that have sat undisturbed, possibly for centuries.

Johnny is seen diving in the ocean and then swimming near colorful coral reef formations and small fish. He's wearing a water suit and snorkel.

Johnny is seen diving in the ocean and then swimming near colorful coral reef formations and small fish. He's wearing a water suit and snorkel.

This browser does not support the video element.

The deep, cool waters provide a sanctuary for green sea turtles, giant trevally and many species of sharks.

Johnny in a water suit and snorkel swims underwater while capturing footage of coral reef and different types of fish with a water camera.

This browser does not support the video element.

Saving years of exploration, Google Maps is helping researchers to more quickly expand our understanding of the world's largest ecosystem.

Footage of Johnny getting back on a the boat smiling while he takes off this snorkel gear. He looks at his phone and points to a new direction with his hand. The boat starts moving and Johhny looks at the horizon with the sun shining on his face.

This browser does not support the video element.

Having the ability to identify, explore and document these rare formations is providing an unprecedented look at life within the Great Barrier Reef.

A small boat moves in the water towards the direction of the sunset, with a man standing on the cockpit.

Share this story

See more stories

Learn more