Like all biologic samples collected during Okeanos Explorer expeditions, the “E.T. sponge” collected in 2016 was archived in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.

A Magnificent New Sponge from the Deep Gets a Name

In a newly published paper, scientists have identified and named a new genus and species of sponge: Advhena magnifica, Latin for “magnificent alien.” This new sponge was sampled and seen during missions in the Pacific on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

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Plastic debris – a plastic bag at 3,767 meters (2.34 miles) depth on Enigma Seamount off the Mariana Islands.
Deep-sea Debris in the Western and Central Pacific
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Working with our partners at the Ocean Exploration Trust and Schmidt Ocean Institute, we’ve assembled a coloring book to inspire everyone to learn about and appreciate the ocean.
Celebrate World Oceans Day with "Exploring Deep-Ocean Art" Coloring Book
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Sediment from the core catcher contained wood fragments, which were rinsed and catalogued.
Paleolandscapes 2020: Mission Update
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About OER

About OER

Learn about the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, the nation's only federal organization dedicated to exploring the global ocean.

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Celebrating Our Ocean Planet

Oceanography Supplement Published

New Frontiers in Ocean Exploration: The E/V Nautilus, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, and R/V Falkor 2019 Field Season is the tenth consecutive supplement on ocean exploration to accompany Oceanography.

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Data and Results

Data & Results

Access diverse scientific data, video, images, documents, and other information associated with office-supported ocean exploration expeditions.

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For Educators

For Educators

Find educational materials and professional development opportunities for educators designed to enhance ocean literacy.

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Recent Expeditions

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Featured Videos

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Diving for Details

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Exploring Deepwater Ecosystems with eDNA

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We Are Explorers

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Exploring the Water Column

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