E/V Nautilus: 2022 Field Season

Between March and October, Ocean Exploration Trust will use Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus to explore the waters of the central Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands, in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, now known as Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, and in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The 2022 Nautilus field season is sponsored primarily by NOAA Ocean Exploration through its Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, with additional support from the NOAA Office of Coast Survey, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Geographic Society, and private donors.

This year’s telepresence-enabled program includes remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, autonomous surface vehicles, seafloor mapping operations, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations. Operations will focus on the geological history of seamount chains and the biodiversity of deep-sea coral habitats in national marine protected areas. This year, Ocean Exploration Trust will also use novel technologies to expand their ocean exploration program from the deep ocean into coastal coral ecosystems.

Learn more about the individual expeditions and virtual live events and join in on the exploration in real time through livestreaming deep-sea video on Nautilus Live and virtual events with expedition team members for classrooms. Also, follow Ocean Exploration Trust on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for behind-the-scenes updates.