2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration
Dive 12: Northern Border Abyss 3
The twelfth dive of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise was on an abyssal site within the northern part of the Cook Islands exclusive economic zone, starting at a depth of approximately 5,400 meters (3.4 miles). A medium density polymetallic nodule field with nodules of multiple shapes and textures covered the seafloor throughout most of the dive. We saw a range of marine life, including several sea cucumbers, We saw a cusk eel, many holothurians, gastropods, and a carnivorous sponge. The team collected sediment cores, a sea cucumber, a carnivorous sponge, polymetallic nodules, and five water samples for environmental DNA (eDNA) and carbon isotope analysis.
An acorn worm rests amongst polymetallic nodules that are approximately 1-3 centimeters (0.4-1.2 inches) across. Seen during Dive 12 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1.1 MB).
This medium-density polymetallic nodule field was seen during Dive 12 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1 MB).
A sediment push core is collected while exploring an abyssal plain during Dive 12 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1.3 MB).