Science & Exploration
Projects, tools, and technologies to unlock our ocean’s full potential
With priority placed on exploration of deep waters and the waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, NOAA Ocean Exploration executes its mission to explore the ocean for national benefit by leading and supporting expeditions and projects and using the latest tools and technology to explore unknown or poorly known areas of our ocean, making discoveries of scientific and economic value.
Expeditions & Projects
NOAA Ocean Exploration leads and supports expeditions and projects to explore previously unknown areas of the ocean, providing partnership coordination, funding, staff, tools, and expertise needed to deliver rigorous, systematic observations and documentation of biological, chemical, physical, geological, and archaeological aspects of the ocean. Follow expeditions and projects supported by our office, including those on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, while they are underway or trace the activities and discoveries of past work through stories, images, videos, and more.
Why We Explore
Exploration is key to increasing our understanding of the ocean, so we can more effectively manage, regulate, and use ocean resources that are vital to our national security, economy, and our livelihoods.
Why Ocean Exploration Matters
Given how much of our ocean remains unexplored, can we truly say that we “know” our own ocean? And if we don’t, how do we manage it and the resources it holds? Take a deep dive with us as we look at several of the reasons why exploring our ocean is so important.
History of Ocean Exploration at NOAA
Systematic ocean exploration in the United States began in 1807 when Thomas Jefferson authorized the Survey of the Coast, NOAA’s earliest predecessor. Since then, NOAA and its ancestors have played a critical role in the evolution of ocean exploration. These pages offer a look at NOAA’s 200-year history of ocean exploration through a series of chronological essays and historical quotations.
How We Explore
NOAA Ocean Exploration executes its mission to explore the ocean for national benefit by leading expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and other research vessels; establishing public, private, and academic partnerships; and providing funding and other support for ocean exploration expeditions and technology development.
What We Explore
As the only federal program dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, NOAA Ocean Exploration ventures into the deep to uncover its secrets, bridging basic gaps in understanding of the deep-ocean environment and delivering the tools and information needed to manage and protect its resources through a variety of focus areas, such as omics, maritime heritage, and marine critical minerals. Together, these and other efforts of the office deliver critical data, information, and awareness needed to protect American livelihoods, strengthen national security, and promote a vibrant U.S. economy.
Marine Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are used in everything from defense systems and batteries to smartphones and medical devices. Many of these minerals are found as seafloor deposits in the deep ocean and accessing them requires a better understanding of the deep ocean through mapping and exploration. NOAA Ocean Exploration works to expand the science and understanding of marine critical minerals by using our own assets and coordinating the assets of federal, academic, and industry partners, providing the foundation needed to advance U.S. leadership in responsible seabed mineral exploration and support investment in the offshore critical mineral industry.
NOAA Omics
We use advanced biological tools—collectively known as “‘omics”—to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins from the water and sediment. By studying environmental DNA (eDNA), we can identify entire marine communities—from microscopic bacteria to giant whales—without ever seeing them. This “biological fingerprinting” helps us monitor biodiversity, track invasive species, and support a healthy blue economy.
Data & Products
NOAA Ocean Exploration ensures public access to the diverse scientific data and information collected during ocean expeditions that we support, including those on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Data collections vary by expedition. However, most expedition data collections include oceanographic and geophysical data, underwater video and imagery, supporting documentation, secondary products, and published works.
Learn more about our mission, people, impact, and other resources.