scientific expedition this week.

The Jason Project, presently exploring deep seas off Mexico, is allowing the youngsters to become involved because of the wonders of technology.

A system using fibre-optics, satellite and microwave telecommunications allowed children in Bermuda, across the United States and England to see exactly what the scientists are seeing in the Sea of Cortez in the Gulf of California.

The Jason Project in Bermuda, sponsored by Cable & Wireless, is being held at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research over the next three years. More than 2,700 local schoolchildren will be involved.

Over 13 days this month children are being given insights into the Jason Project by Cable and Wireless and find themselves looking in on the work of pioneering scientist Dr. Bob Ballard and his team.

Dr. Ballard, world-renowned for discovering the sunken ships, Titanic and Bismarck , also uses a telephone link to answer questions from the students.

He uses remote-controlled cameras up to four kilometres underwater to look at the remarkable life-forms on the sea bed.

They are exploring the geological features "hydrothermal vents'' which are surrounded by dense colonies of lifeforms, thriving on the warm mineral rich water from the vents.

There will also be some monitoring of migrating Pacific gray whales heading to their wintering grounds.

Cable & Wireless official Mr. Bill Pittman introduced pupils, who have done some groundwork already, to the Jason Project.

Mr. Pittman said: "We cannot take you all over to California so we have brought California here.'' Biological Station representative, Dr. Fred Lipschultz said: "There is a whole lot we do not know about the sea. Dr. Ballard has been exploring for 30 years but says he has only covered about 10 kilometres of the ocean.'' Dr. Lipschultz said that instead of having to look out of a small submarine window, which takes hours to submerge to the correct depths, the remote vehicles give scientists a better view of the bottom of the ocean.

He also gave the students an insight into the history of underwater exploration pointing out that the first live transmission from deep waters was off Bermuda.

The project involves all but four of Bermuda's schools and will continue into next week. Members of the public are also expected this weekend to take the figures of people watching the project over the 3,500 mark.

EXPLORING THE SEAS -- Children from the Francis Patton Primary School and the Bermuda Institute meet Dr. Bob Ballard, live from Mexico.