Cutthroat eels (Ilyophis arx, Family Synaphobranchidae) swarming at a small bait package deployed on the summit of an unnamed abyssal seamount in the southwestern Clarion Clipperton Zone at a depth of 3,083 meters (1.92 miles).

Largest Aggregation of Fishes in the Abyssal Deep Sea

The largest aggregation of fishes ever recorded in the abyssal deep sea was discovered by a team of oceanographers from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the National Oceanography Centre.

Learn more
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
Learn more
This spawning aggregation of sea urchins was imaged on Pulley Ridge. Sea urchins reproduce much like corals -- releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where they can join to produce larvae. The larvae float through the ocean until they find a spot to settle. Understanding where these larvae ultimately settle, how they get there, and perhaps most importantly, where they’ve come from, are all critical for understanding dynamic marine ecosystems and developing broad-scale management strategies for effective conservation.
What is habitat connectivity and why is it important?
Learn more
The comb jelly, or ctenophore, was first seen during a 2015 dive with the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research team.
NOAA Scientists Virtually Discover New Species of Comb Jelly Near Puerto Rico
Learn more
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.

Learn more
Data and Results

Data & Results

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

Learn more
For Educators

For Educators

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

Learn more

Featured Expeditions

Reset

Featured Videos

Sampling Around Methane Seeps

Learn more

Time-lapse of Processing Mud Samples

Learn more

Diving for Details

Learn more

Exploring Deepwater Ecosystems with eDNA

Learn more