NOAA Ocean Exploration

Tomorrow, November 20, at 2 pm ET, tune in for a free webinar to learn how scientists are studying?the?genetic basis of?migration timing in several species of Pacific salmon which in turn can help them better understand environmental stressors in order to maintain?healthy populations. Register here:?https://lnkd.in/epxK7aCu [Image:?Pink salmon. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/John R. Macmillan] #ocean #exploration #webinar #omics #salmon #genetics

Trash floating on the ocean surface near land can be easy to spot. But what about pollution in the deep sea? A new paper in the Marine Pollution Bulletin uses the results of expeditions led by NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners to document widespread plastic, metal, and glass debris in deep waters of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. This research, presented by Nikki Fuller et al., highlights the need to account for deep and remote regions of the ocean as destinations for pollution. You can read more about their work on our website: https://lnkd.in/di76Rp7h Pictured: Pieces of marine debris found in the deep tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea between 2015 and 2022. Image courtesy of Nikki Fuller et al. (2024) “Observations of trash in the deep tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.” Marine Pollution Bulletin 209A.

Explorer-in-training Sarah Hutchinson provides a reflection based on her recent experience on the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition. NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer arrived in port in Honolulu yesterday to close out work in 2024. For more from Sarah and Astrid, visit https://lnkd.in/e6vr8Qmt We’ll see you next year for more deep-ocean exploration (and yes, we’ll be bringing back live video of remotely operated vehicle dives)! #ocean #exploration #intern #Okeanos

During an expedition on Exploration Vessel Nautilus in September 2024, a research team successfully demonstrated a new approach to locating seafloor fluid flow sites such as hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. The new approach uses a plume-tracing algorithm to enable autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to trace biogeochemistry signatures in the water column that are indicative of vents and seeps. The approach was tested during two AUV Sentry dives at Vailulu’u Seamount in National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ei3x8cwk [Image courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA Ocean Exploration: Hydrothermal vent on Vailulu’u Seamount in National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa visually identified by remotely operated vehicle Hercules at the beginning of the expedition. This vent was the target site for the testing of the prototype of the plume-tracing algorithm developed for the Autonomous Localization of Seafloor Fluid Flow Sources project.] Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations #ocean #explore #auv #HydrothermalVent #ColdSeep

Explorers-in-training Sarah and Astrid want to extend a big thank you to the dedicated NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps aboard NOAA Ship #Okeanos Explorer! Their hard work and unwavering commitment keep us safe every day as we explore the depths of the ocean. From navigating us to our survey areas to conducting safety drills, including fire, abandon ship, and man overboard, their vigilance ensures our team is always prepared. We’re incredibly grateful for their expertise and professionalism, sailing day and night to make each expedition a success. Their efforts truly make all the difference, and we couldn't do this work without them! For more from Sarah and Astrid, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6vr8Qmt #ocean #exploration #NOAA #thankyou #intern

During a recent mapping expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Coordinator Jesse Gwinn combined her love of crochet with seafloor mapping data they were collecting on board to create a lasting reminder of her time at sea. The resulting bathymetry blanket gives a sense of the types of seafloor features "seen" over time throughout the expedition. Learn about Jesse's project:?https://lnkd.in/exFry6_U [Images: NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Program Coordinator Jesse Gwinn on the fantail of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer with her in-progress bathymetry blanket, which illustrates ocean depth data collected during the Beyond the Blue: Johnston Atoll Mapping 2 expedition. The bathymetry blanket helps us communicate the importance of NOAA Ocean Exploration’s work in ocean mapping with new audiences, both human and pet. Models: Doug Gwinn (canine) and Meechi Dulskiy (feline). Image courtesy of Jesse Gwinn (and many treat distractions by Ana Dulskiy). Exploring the ocean’s depths has never looked cozier! This cat found the comfiest spot to nap among the stitches of the bathymetry blanket. Model: Bigelow “Don’t Touch Me, I’m Sleeping” Topor. Image courtesy of Jesse Gwinn.] #ocean #explore #bathymetry #temperatureblanket #crochet

Celebrating Lonoikamakahiki (Hawaiian New Year) aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer! This November, our cultural liaisons, Kelsie Pīkake Kuniyoshi and Kalau?ihilani Robins, guided us in the art of lei making. These beautiful creations, crafted from flowers, leaves, and more, symbolize Aloha — love, friendship, and honor. We also spent time stargazing and spotted Ke Kā o Makali?i, the Hawaiian constellation known as 'the Bailer of Makali?i. During Ho?oilo (the Hawaiian winter), these stars light up the night sky, just as they once guided Polynesian voyagers across the vast Pacific. For more from explorers-in-training Sarah and Astrid, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6vr8Qmt [Images: 1: Various lei made by the team on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition. Image courtesy of Astrid Zapata-De Jesus. 2: A sky full of stars viewed from the deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition. Image courtesy of Astrid Zapata-De Jesus.] #ocean #exploration #Okeanos #Hawaii #culture #NewYear #Aloha

Sound is a crucial component of ocean science and stewardship, but collecting acoustic data in the deepest and most remote parts of our ocean has historically been difficult. To better enable deepwater exploration of ocean soundscapes in difficult to reach regions of the global ocean, a team of scientists and engineers led by Integral Consulting Inc. and SEATREC developed the first ever autonomous, near real-time, directional acoustic profiling float powered by marine renewable energy. In September, they successfully demonstrated it in deep water off Oceanside, California. Learn more about the project and listen to some of the sounds they recorded: https://lnkd.in/dRTR3rfa [Images of the Seatrec infiniTE float with directional acoustic sensor courtesy of Autonomous, Directional Acoustic Profiling Float for Soundscape Characterization.] With Scripps Institution of Oceanography, MBARI, Naval Postgraduate School #ocean #explore #acoustics #otec #RenewableEnergy

That extra hour to snooze, thanks to the end of daylight savings time? Hawaiian monk seal approved! What do Hawaiian monk seals have to do with ocean exploration? Why does exploring the ocean matter? Exploring the ocean reveals not just its wonders but also its vital connections to the entire ecosystem! In 2016, scientists discovered four new species of algae in waters around Hawai?i at depths of 60-120 meters (200-400 feet). These unique species, collected during NOAA surveys, support endangered Hawaiian monk seals, who rely on the ?īliohāhā algae for foraging in their homes in the Hawaiian archipelago. Fun fact from the State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources: “Hawaiian monk seals spend about one third of their time resting on land…” Learn more about Hawaiian monk seals from NOAA Fisheries: https://lnkd.in/ehR7b39p. For more from Explorers-in-Training Sarah and Astrid, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6vr8Qmt. Images: 1: A Hawaiian monk seal resting on a sandy shoreline. Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (2014), Mark Sullivan. 2: ?īliohāhā is a recently discovered species of algae that is an important part of the ecosystem that Hawaiian monk seals call home. Image courtesy of Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, Kelsie Pīkake Kuniyoshi. 3: A new species of algae, Ulva ohiohilulu, is collected west of Maui by a Hawai?i Undersea Research Laboratory submersible at 93 meters (304 feet) depth. Image courtesy of the HURL archives. #ocean #exploration #Hawaiianmonkseal #algae #ecosystem #intern #Okeanos

At the end of August, teachers in American Samoa participated in a first-of-its-kind professional development workshop to enhance local ocean education. The workshop was held with support from the American Samoa Department of Education, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, Ocean Exploration Trust, and NOAA Ocean Exploration. Highlights included tours of Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, development of ocean-focused lesson plans, and the creation of long-term resources available for teachers to use in their classrooms. You can read about this unique event here: https://lnkd.in/gGaD_jNC -Image courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust- #deepsea #professionaldevelopment #education