Whalefest Monterey 2020 - Steve Mandel

Steve Mandel will talk about the theory, process and practical applications of using virtual reality for underwater conservation education.Participants will see what the process is to gather video for VR, learn what camera options are available, and alsohear about his experiences using the video in classrooms and at various events.

He will bring the virtual reality underwater camera system he designed that shoots 3D underwater images down to 200’ so participants can see what the hardware actually looks like. And, at the Oceans 360 exhibit, he will have VR headsets that participants can use to view some of the 15+ videos taken all over the globe in high resolution, 3D!

Steve Mandel is the Executive Director of the Lions of Gir Foundation and its Oceans 360 project. The Foundation is focused on ocean conservation education, using 3D virtual reality video taken by marine biologists and professional filmmakers around the globe to provide engaging conservation videos that are viewed in virtual reality headsets. The videos are shown in schools, at conservation conferences, in the MBNMS NOAA Exploration Center, and are now being used in medical environments to reduce patient anxiety and provide pain distraction.For the Oceans 360 project, Steve designed an underwater 3D virtual reality camera system. The system is also used by National Geographic, and professional wildlife filmmakers for virtual reality projects