Exploring the ocean for national benefit

NOAA Ocean Exploration is the only federal program dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, partnerships, data delivery, and education.

Learn About Science & Exploration

Learn about Ocean Exploration

Dive into ocean exploration by exploring materials such as stories, ocean facts, and images and videos, organized by topic for learners of all ages and levels.

Ocean Science for Everyone
For Educators
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Highlights

Ocean Exploration Facts
Snailfish in the family Liparidae was filmed at a depth of 1,365 meters (4,480 feet).

What is the deepest-living fish?

The deepest confirmed fish sighting is of a snailfish filmed at a depth of 8,336 meters (27,000 feet) below the ocean surface.
The image features a collection of deep-sea creatures arranged against a black background. The arrangement includes various species of fish and small marine animals, each with distinctive features. In the upper left corner, there's a large fish with a round body and dark eyes, accompanied by a bright orange-red shrimp. To its right, another shrimp displays long, luminous blue appendages. Below, a slender, elongated fish with a slightly shiny body is positioned horizontally. The center of the image showcases a large shark-like creature with a streamlined body and prominent fins. On the right, a thin, vibrant blue fish extends vertically with noticeable fins. At the bottom left, a bulbous-headed fish is oriented towards the viewer, flanked by smaller shrimp, while a fish with a long, pointed snout swims nearby. On the bottom right is an elongated fish with reflective scales.
Expeditions & Projects
Exploration With Cloud Computing
A deep-sea fish against a dark blue ocean with a January calendar in the top right corner and NOAA Ocean Exploration logo in the bottom left.
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January Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

News Updates

Event
NOAA-Supported Expedition on E/V Nautilus to Explore Deep Waters of the Cook Islands
Discovery
NOAA and Partners Map the Seafloor in Southernmost Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone
Discovery • Publication
Jellyfish Found by Team Aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Shatters Range Assumptions
Opportunity
Call for Input: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2026 Proposed Pacific Island Operating Areas
Education
Meet 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Hollings Scholar, Alex Ensign
Event
Watch Live: NOAA and Partners Lead Expedition to Advance Deep-Sea Habitat Restoration in the Gulf

Our Expeditions by the Numbers

NOAA Ocean Exploration coordinates, funds, and conducts expeditions around the globe that feed the essential research and scientific inquiry necessary to understand the features and phenomena of the ocean to support informed resource management decisions.

View Data and Products
Featured Statistics
443,304 Square Kilometers of Seafloor Mapped
180+ Days at Sea on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
5.5 Million Website Views
400+ Educators Trained

Status: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

In October, NOAA Ocean Exploration wrapped up operations on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer for the 2025 calendar year. We expect to resume operations in the Pacific in April 2026. Keep an eye out for more information!

Learn about Beyond the Blue
A large, yellow sponge with an umbrella-like shape attached to the seabed by a long stalk in a dark, deep-sea environment.

Featured Favorite

During Dive 16 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition , a number of large, yellow Bolosoma sponges were observed, some with heads measuring close to a meter in width.

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Explore More with NOAA Ocean Exploration

Learn more about our mission, people, impact, and other resources.