reason #6

Despite its importance, there aren’t many people out there exploring our ocean.

NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research is the only federal organization currently dedicated to exploring our unknown ocean.

As the stewards of a coordinated national ocean exploration program, we work closely with government agencies, academic institutions, foundations like the Ocean Exploration Trust, the private sector, and others to identify requirements and needs. We collaborate with national program stakeholders to build ocean exploration campaigns—multi-partner, multi-ship, multi-year initiatives to characterize areas of national importance.

We provide partnership coordination, funding, staff, tools, and expertise needed to develop exploration missions that deliver rigorous, systematic observations and documentation of biological, chemical, physical, geological, and archaeological aspects of the ocean. We work to get scientists to uncharted areas; to design, test, and implement new deep-sea technologies; and to bring the wonders of ocean exploration to everyone. And, during and after expeditions, our system of data management ensures that collected information arrives quickly – and accurately – into the hands of those who need it to make timely decisions.

Every day, our unique capabilities are helping to advance knowledge and understanding needed to help citizens, businesses, and governments make smart choices to protect lives, property, and economic wellbeing.

Help protect our ocean by sharing what you've learned.