DEEP OCEAN EXPEDITIONS - TEAM MEMBERS

Peter Batson

Peter Batson is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, in New Zealand's South Island. He has broad interests in deep-ocean life, but his research is focused on mapping habitats in New Zealand 's submarine canyons.

Peter has worked as a marine consultant on a variety of industrial and government-funded projects. He is also a photographer and marine artist, specializing in deep-sea life.

In 2003 his first book, 'Deep New Zealand: Blue Water, Black Abyss' was published by Canterbury University Press. It was the first popular title on the deep South Pacific, and went on to win the Environment prize of the prestigious 2004 Montana Book Awards.

As one of the lucky few to have experienced the wonders of the abyss firsthand in deep-diving submersibles, Peter feels a responsibility to promote this vast wilderness to a wider audience. He does this via various writing and teaching projects, and through his website (ExploreTheAbyss.Com).

As a science communicator, Peter is helping Deep Ocean Expeditions to fulfill one of its key objectives: 'to educate people about the world's deep oceans'. He is also acting as science advisor/liaison during planning for upcoming expeditions.