NOAA Ocean Exploration Operations on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

The control room on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a remotely operated vehicle dive.

Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping 1

July 22-August 1, 2025

From July 22 to August 1, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners will conduct the first of three exploratory ocean mapping expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. This first expedition will focus on the collection of mapping data and water samples for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to the west and south of Koror, Palau, in the area around the southwest islands that make up the states of Sonsoroal and Hatohobie. Collected data will contribute to Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific, a multiyear, collaborative science campaign designed to raise collective knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of waters in the Pacific Islands region. There will be no remotely operated vehicle dives during this expedition.