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A translucent jellyfish swims above a textured ocean floor covered in dark, round formations, set against a dark background.

2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration

Dive 02: Shakedown 2

July 21, 2026

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Dive 02 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise was another “shakedown” dive to continue to prep and test remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems. The dive took place on a small feature midway between Rarotonga and Palmerston Atoll, starting at a depth of 3,600 meters (2.2 miles). During the dive, the ROV team successfully tested a new “scoop sampler” to collect sediment and small polymetallic nodules. Abundant polymetallic nodules, micronodules, and crusts were seen throughout our time on the seafloor. We also observed several sessile and mobile organisms, including numerous octocoral colonies, for example, at least two species of bamboo corals and Iridigorgia sp., sea cucumbers, and xenophyophores (large, single-celled organisms).

Underwater scene featuring a sandy seabed covered with scattered rounded stones in various sizes, creating a textured landscape.

Abundant polymetallic nodules observed on the seafloor during Dive 02 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).

An underwater scene featuring a large textured rock surrounded by smaller pebbles and sediment, with delicate coral-like structures rising in the background.

Amongst a terrain of nodules and sediment, this crinoid was observed perched on top of an octocoral during Dive 02 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. The crinoid’s position above the seafloor provides it with better access to food floating by in the water column as well as protection from potential predators. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1.1 MB).

A collection of dark rock specimens displayed in six white trays, each labeled with reference codes, on a beige surface.

Image of the various polymetallic nodules collected during Dive 02 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 832 KB).