Ocean Exploration Trust

#ScienceUpdate! Back in July of 2022, we were flying our ROVs at nearly 3,000 meters along a never-before-surveyed seamount north of #JohnstonAtoll when we came across a 2-meter-tall stalk rising up to a large pinnate tentacled polyp — a truly enormous #seapen. This sighting was made even more exciting when identified as #Solumbellula monocephalus, making it the first time this animal had ever been seen in the #PacificOcean. Within an hour, we had spotted even more of these animals! https://lnkd.in/eUyBz9TX As with many OET discoveries, the moment seen live is only the beginning of the knowledge-creation process. Sea pen and #cnidarian experts are still analyzing whether this is a massive range expansion for Solumbellula previously only known to live in the North and South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, or if this is a new species altogether. We’re proud to share an exciting new update from more experts in the story of this moment — the naming of this magnificent animal witnessed in the deep. In this video, Hau’oli Lorenzo Elarco, Kumu ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, and Hōkūokahalelani Pihana, Native Hawaiian Specialist at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center talk with OET's Megan Cook about this magnificent animal and the process of granting it the #HawaiianName ʻIhikūholu. Developed in collaboration by the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group’s Nomenclature Sub-Committee and other members representing various organizations including NOAA, and OET, the name is given to honor the first recorded instance of this species to ever be found in Moananuiākea (the Pacific Ocean). NOAA Ocean Exploration NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Take a look back at some of the biggest “WOW” moments of 2024 for Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) and the #CorpsofExploration as we explored the sea and tested new technology across the #PacificOcean: https://bit.ly/3BEmPp2

One week left to apply to be part of the 2025 Exploration Program and sail onboard #EVNautilus next year! Teachers, informal educators, and science communicators are invited to apply to be #ScienceCommunicationFellow, while college students and early career professionals can apply to the #ScienceandEngineeringInternshipProgram for #oceanscience, #ROVengineering, #videoengineering, or #seafloormapping. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/d_6GvsRz

In 2024, #EVNautilus and the #CorpsofExploration embarked on one of our widest-ranging seasons ever, spending eight months exploring the Central, Eastern, and Western Pacific. From mapping nearly 150,000 km² of seafloor to conducting 62 ROV dives (totaling over 670 hours on the ocean floor), this was one of our most groundbreaking seasons yet! Our 10 expeditions and 163 days at sea carried us all to #Hawaii, #AmericanSamoa, #USPacificRemoteIslands, #Palau, and #Canada with the expedition goals based on community input from scientists and resource managers as well as from local communities and stakeholders in the regions where the expeditions took place. Take a look back at our epic 2024 season with this #BestOf highlight video: https://lnkd.in/eRx-QnME

Congrats to our Founder and President Dr. #RobertBallard on having the navy ship USNS Robert Ballard named after him. Dr. Ballard recently toured the ship in Mississippi. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZMotN3

Happy #TeacherTuesday! Your students (and all artists between the ages of 5 and 18) can submit original artwork to be considered for the official Nautilus Expedition Season Patch and Sticker. They will be worn and displayed by members of the #CorpsofExploration during our annual exploration cruises and represent the expedition season for the team. Learn more and submit by Feb 1: https://lnkd.in/ewFwFPez

Sharing the excitement of #oceanexploration is a central part of the Ocean Exploration Trust mission. Each year, many STEAM professionals join the ship, including talented and passionate #educators and #storytellers in the #communications role who believe exploration and research deserve to be shared with the world. Mission communicators within the #CorpsofExploration participate in OET education programs or education/outreach professionals from OET’s staff or other partner organizations. They work closely as a team and alongside all the other watchstanders to tell clear and compelling stories during complex #seafloor exploration. Learn more about the role of #ScienceCommunicator: https://lnkd.in/ehPFUq7A

Take a trip back to #EVNautilus by getting to know #CorpsofExploration member and Willamette University undergraduate Ella Ashford, who sailed on NA164 as a NOAA Hollings Scholar: https://bit.ly/3DaZFXp

Earlier during the NA169 expedition, #ROVHercules observed some anthropogenic objects, including rusted metal debris, munitions, glass soda bottles, an anchor chain, and a large anchor, all thought to be from #WorldWarII.

As this year comes to a close and we look forward to 2025, LeeWay Marine is thrilled to be sharing some exciting news! Beginning this Friday, December 13, we will be stepping into the vital role of vessel manager for The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET)’s Exploration Vessel Nautilus (E/V Nautilus), with upcoming mission destinations to include Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Solomon Islands. Founded by American oceanographer, Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for discovering “black smoker” hydrothermal vents and the final resting place of R.M.S. Titanic, OET makes ocean exploration possible, providing hands-on and remote learning opportunities for scientists, educators, and students that ultimately foster significant discoveries in the fields of geology, biology, archeology, and chemistry. LeeWay taking on the job of technical support and operational planning will allow OET to focus on what they do best – which is co-developing critical expeditions with local communities that prioritize education, diversity and inclusion with the goal to advance greater understanding of ocean changes and help inform future conservation and resource management decisions. Put simply, OET is widely regarded as the pinnacle of excellence when it comes to ocean exploration, and we are absolutely honoured to have been given their trust to oversee vessel management services. To learn more about this partnership, visit our news page: https://lnkd.in/eymud8P4 #oceanexploration #oceanexploration #oceantech #oceanscience #vesselmanagement #marinenews #Novascotia