NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
The control room on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a remotely operated vehicle dive.
Status: 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration
From July 19-August 13, NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, and partners will conduct a 26-day cruise on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to increase our understanding of the seafloor and water column in the deep waters of the Cook Islands, better characterize the resources and ecosystems they hold, and support Cook Islands-led decision-making. The 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise will include remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives to explore the seafloor and water column, mapping operations, Argo float deployments, other sensors, and continuous shore-side participation via telepresence technology.
All things permitting, when the ship is not in transit, dives will be streamed most days between July 20 and August 7. Note that plans are subject to change. Over the course of the cruise, we will conduct ROV dives at depths ranging from approximately 2,500 to 6,000 meters (1.6 to 3.7 miles) to explore habitats at seamount, knoll, and plateau features.