Google is teaming with the European Marine Observation and Data Network on "Ocean in Google Earth", a new feature that enables users to dive beneath the water surface, explore 3D underwater terrain and browse ocean-related content contributed by marine scientists. Ocean in Google Earth combines underwater terrain and expert content to enable users to explore some of the most difficult-to-reach parts of the world. Virtual travellers can swim around underwater volcanoes, watch videos about exotic marine life, read about nearby shipwrecks and contribute photos and videos of favourite surf and dive spots.

The Ocean feature is included in the newest version of Google Earth. As users zoom in on the ocean they will see a dynamic water surface. By diving beneath they can navigate 3D sea floor terrain including the Mid-Ocean Ridge, the world's longest underwater mountain range which stretches 50,000 km around the globe. The feature also includes 20 content layers, containing information contributed by the world's leading scientists, researchers, and ocean explorers. These layers include:
•    "Explore the Ocean" containing photos and videos about ocean hot spots around the world contributed by over 80 individuals and organizations
•    Marine Protected Areas including information on Australia's Great Barrier Reef
•    Animal Tracking: follow satellite tagged sea animals like whales
•    Dead Zones, Seafood Watch and Fish to Eat which provide information about the harmful impact of overfishing and how you can help
•    Cousteau Ocean World - watch videos from the archives of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau including never-before-seen footage of historic ocean expeditions.

The European Commission says it intends to participate in the  project through its European Marine Observation and Data Network, which is collecting previously unavailable deep sea mapping data and making it publicly available. The Network's Atlas of the Sea aims to raise awareness of the fragility of the marine environment.