The impact of seeps on the ocean is an emerging area of research, in part driven by their newly quantified abundance in the oceans. In this image from Oregon’s deep sea, one can see a surprising amount of sea cucumbers filter feeding in addition to sponges and corals that are making use of the hard rocks created by seepage.

Gradients of Blue Economic Seep Resources

In this expedition on Exploration Vessel Nautilus, we aim to explore how methane seeps interact with ocean systems and seek out expanding avenues in an ocean blue economy future.

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Through the Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2020 Funding Opportunity, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research selected five projects for financial support totaling approximately $2.4 million.
Fiscal Year 2020 NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research Federal Funding Opportunity Grants
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The burning merchant ship Mirlo. Image courtesy of Austin Dwyer.
Wimble Shoals: An Exploration and Characterization of Submerged Cultural and Sediment Resources
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Sometimes menacing, sometimes serene, there’s still so much to be learned about our ocean and what lies beneath its surface.
How much of the ocean has been explored?
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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

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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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