Exploring the ocean for national benefit

NOAA Ocean Exploration is the only federal program dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, partnerships, data delivery, and public engagement.

Learn About Science & Exploration

Learn About Ocean Exploration

Dive into ocean exploration by exploring materials such as stories, ocean facts, and images and videos, organized by topic for learners of all ages and levels.

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Highlights

News
Polymetallic nodules on an abyssal plain

NOAA and Partners Map Deep Ocean Near Northern Mariana Islands

NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners have mapped 289,700 square kilometers (111,870 square miles) of deep waters around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
A yellow underwater robot, shaped like a stout cylinder, is held aloft by a black crane, high over the heads of observers and an American flag.
Expeditions & Projects
2026 Technology Demonstration
A man sits at a desk in front of a row of computer monitors.
Expeditions & Projects
What Happens to Data Collected by NOAA Ocean Exploration on Okeanos Explorer Expeditions?

News Updates

General
NOAA’s New Data Portal Advances Marine eDNA Data Sharing and Use
Education
NOAA Ocean Exploration and Partners Host Deep-Sea Educator Workshop in American Samoa
Education
NOAA Ocean Exploration Hosts Inaugural Blue Technology Education Workshop
General
New Pathways to Discovery: NOAA Ocean Exploration Publishes Data on Global Databases
Publication
Researchers Identify Dense Coral and Sponge Communities in Deep Alaskan Waters
Opportunity
Call for Input: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2027 Proposed Pacific Island Operating Areas

In the Field: 2026

NOAA Ocean Exploration works with partners to explore previously unknown areas of our ocean, making discoveries of scientific, economic, and cultural value and supporting innovations in exploration tools and capabilities. In 2026, we will lead and support expeditions and fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Lake Michigan.

Read About These Expeditions and Projects
Featured 2025 Statistics
339,864 Square Kilometers of Seafloor Mapped
120+ Days at Sea on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
3.2 Million Website Views
600+ Educators Trained
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i,

Status: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer — At Sea

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is at sea for the 2026 Technology Demonstration (EX2701), which takes place November 2-16. During this time, the team will conduct field trials offshore the Hawaiian Islands where they will test the use and integration of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in routine operations aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, with the ultimate goal of improving at-sea data collection abilities. Note that there is no livestream component to this expedition.

Featured Favorite

This beautiful Aleutian skate (Bathyraja aleutica) was seen slowly making its way across the seafloor at a depth of 710 meters (2,320 feet) during Dive 14 of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition.

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