Exploration Vessel Nautilus 2021 field schedule map. Image courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust. Download image (jpg, 608 KB).
Between July and December, the Ocean Exploration Trust will use Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus to explore the waters along the North American West Coast from British Columbia to Southern California and west to the Hawaiian Islands and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The 2021 Nautilus field season is sponsored by NOAA Ocean Exploration through the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute with additional support from the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, NASA, Harvard University, the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, and Ocean Networks Canada.
This year's telepresence-enabled program includes remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys using ROV Hercules, seafloor mapping, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations. Operations will focus on the geological history of seamount chains, deep-sea coral habitats in national marine protected areas, and hydrothermal vent and methane seep ecosystems. NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is also providing support for exploration in the national monument.
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 on social media. Also, follow the Ocean Exploration Trust on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter for behind-the-scenes updates.
Exploration Vessel Nautilus. Image courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust. Download image (jpg, 155 KB).
NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Ocean Exploration Trust have partnered to explore the world's ocean since 2001. NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer was developed alongside E/V Nautilus, and the two are operated in a similar manner, using telepresence to enable scientists, students, educators, and the public to follow operations and participate remotely from shore. Today, through its support for Nautilus through the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, NOAA Ocean Exploration continues to work with the Ocean Exploration Trust to advance technology and reduce uncertainties in critical parts of our largely unexplored deep ocean.