At one time or another, there have been about 50 undersea research bases like Aquarius Reef around the world. Today, it's the last one that remains devoted to scientific research, and its days might be numbered.

After some years of declining budgets, the federel administration eliminated funding for the base, leaving its staff with just two options: Close up shop, or find their own money. Part of this week's mission is outreach and education aimed at helping save Aquarius Reef.

Sylvia Earle, former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and now explorer-in-residence at National Geographic, spoke with NPR about the importance of undersea research facilities, especially of saturation diving, in which divers live for long periods under pressure to prevent illness associated with decompression.

Last week, at Aquarius Reef's training facility in Key Largo, Fla., Earle said she's disappointed that saturation diving and the undersea research facilities that make it possible are still uncommon today.

For marine researchers, she says, it's all about what she calls "the gift of time."

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