This aggregation of clams is fueled by the release of methane from the seafloor. It provides a great example of how widespread methane seeps are along the Washington Margin.

Gradients of Blue Economic Seep Resources: An Unexpected Discovery

A mere five minutes after gawking at huge meter-wide pink bubblegum corals, the lights of remotely operated vehicle Hercules began glinting off bright white clam shells and knotty bushes of tube worms. We knew this could only mean one thing... methane seeps..

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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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