The specific purposes, legal authority, level of protection, management approaches, and use allowance of individual marine protected areas (MPAs) can vary greatly from site to site.

What is a marine protected area (MPA)?

The specific purposes, legal authority, level of protection, management approaches, and use allowance of individual marine protected areas (MPAs) can vary greatly from site to site.

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The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research Explorer-in-Training Program is accepting applications for the 2021 internship program.
Explorer-in-Training Program Applications Open!
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For each month in 2021, we will post a wallpaper calendar along with historic and OER-relevant exploration highlights from that month from years past.
Desktop Wallpaper Calendar
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This Antipathes sylospongia was overgrowing a glass sponge (Farrea occa) — look closely to see its branches peeking out — when it was collected at 1,299 meters (4,262 feet) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, off Lisianski island during the 2015 Hohonu Moana expedition. The Greek species name “Sylospongia” is a nod to the coral’s sponge hosts.
Expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Lead to Discovery of Three New Black Coral Species
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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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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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Featured Expeditions

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Featured Videos

Sampling Around Methane Seeps

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Time-lapse of Processing Mud Samples

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Diving for Details

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Exploring Deepwater Ecosystems with eDNA

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