The team launches ROV Seirios during in-port testing, prior to getting underway. Image courtesy of Art Howard, GFOE, Exploring Deep-sea Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Download larger version (jpg, 2.7 MB).
ROV Deep Discoverer being launched off the back deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of Art Howard, GFOE, Exploring Deep-sea Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Download larger version (jpg, 926 KB).
The Océano Profundo 2018 expedition started today. NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer left port in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 10:00 AST and headed towards the Virgin Passage en route to the first exploration site off the southeast corner of Vieques Island. The team will conduct mapping operations throughout the day and overnight while in transit. Once on site, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) team will conduct a calibration test of their navigation system on the morning of October 31. Then the team will conduct the first ROV dive of the expedition, currently scheduled to start at around 12:00 AST. This dive will explore depths around 400 meters (1,312 feet) off the southeast corner of Vieques Island for deepwater snapper, particularly queen snapper, and deep-sea corals.
Map showing the in-port location in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer was docked prior to the start of the expedition. Download larger version (jpg, 1.8 MB).