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.

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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.

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Highlights

Expeditions and Projects
Remotely operated vehicle engineers working on a large white ROV with ship crew in the background on a ship deck at sunset.

2026 ROV Shakedown (EX2603)

From May 16 to June 5, 2026, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners will conduct an ROV shakedown expedition off Hawai‘i on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. This shakedown will stress test every component of the ROV system and their associated systems — mechanical, electrical, and software — to ensure they are performing properly and are ready for the 2026 field season.
NOAA Ocean Exploration field season map with pins indicating where each expedition/project will take place
Expeditions and Projects
NOAA Ocean Exploration in the Field: 2026
Map showing the 2026 Exploration Vessel Nautilus expeditions, including the exploration regions of the Hawaiian Islands, Wake Island, and the Mariana Islands.
Expeditions and Projects
E/V Nautilus: 2026 Field Season

News Updates

Education
Professional Development Workshop Brings Deep-Sea Science to Palau’s Middle and High School Classrooms
Event
From Seawater to Sequences: Exploring NOAA’s New Deep‑Sea Environmental DNA Dataset
General
From Data to Discovery: Unlocking Ocean Secrets With eDNA
Discovery
Scientists Reveal Identity of Mysterious ‘Golden Orb’ Collected During NOAA Expedition
Event
Watch Live: Expedition to Advance Deep-Sea Coral Restoration
Publication
New Research Helps Show How Depth Affects Fish Distribution

By the Numbers: 2025 In Review

In 2025, NOAA Ocean Exploration led and supported expeditions to enable scientific discovery; tested and supported the development of new and emerging technologies; shared our work with a variety of audiences; strengthened our network of partners; and more.

View Our 2025 Annual Report
Featured Statistics
339,864 Square Kilometers of Seafloor Mapped
120+ Days at Sea on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
3.2 Million Website Views
600+ Educators Trained

Status: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is at sea for the 2026 ROV Shakedown (EX2603) in the deep waters around Hawai‘i from May 16-June 5. Stay tuned for more information.

Learn About the 2026 ROV Shakedown
Close up of a shark

Featured Favorite

During the Mountains in the Deep: Exploring the Central Pacific Basin expedition, we got up close with this smalltooth sand tiger shark while exploring Kingman Cone at a depth of approximately 1,025 meters (3,360 feet). Check out this video of the shark’s “toothy grin.”

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