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High-resolution multibeam bathymetry collected by NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer showing the topography of the Stetson North region.

Expedition Hopes to Chart “Million Mounds” of Deep-sea Coral off Southeast Coast

About a hundred miles off the coast of Georgia and Florida lies a strange ecosystem at the bottom of the sea. It’s an underwater landscape of coral mounds that stretch as far as the eye (or at least the camera on a remotely operated vehicle) can see. This month, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research will use multibeam sonar to better define the geographic limits of the coral zone.

Map showing the planned operations area for the mapping leg of the 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration.

2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-Sea Exploration - Mapping

The Southern California Seafloor Mapping Initiative (SCSMI) - a regional effort to collect high-resolution mapping data applicable to numerous federal and state agencies – laid the foundation for EXPRESS. Multiple vessels will contribute to the emerging campaign.

Surveying Deep-sea Corals, Sponges, and Fish Habitat

An octopus surrounded by brittle stars. Image courtesy of the Ocean Exploration Trust.

Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2019 Funding Opportunity Awardees Announced

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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Ten Years of Collecting Ocean Exploration Data

The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research has been collecting ocean exploration data from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer since 2009.

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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

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

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Recent Expeditions

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Expedition Hopes to Chart “Million Mounds” of Deep-sea Coral off Southeast Coast

2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-Sea Exploration - Mapping

Surveying Deep-sea Corals, Sponges, and Fish Habitat

Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2019 Funding Opportunity Awardees Announced

About OER

Ten Years of Collecting Ocean Exploration Data

Data & Results

For Educators

Recent Expeditions

Year of Expedition

Recent Video Highlights

A Midwater Exploration

Tug o' War

Oh My Grouper, Look at that Shark

Giant Squid