The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) has embarked on a formidable eight-month voyage across the Pacific, aiming to fill vast gaps in humanity’s understanding of Earth’s undersea landscapes. The 2024 expedition season, which commenced today, will guide the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus through uncharted territories of the Eastern, Central, and Western Pacific—from Hawaiʻi to the Canadian coastline.

“The vast majority of the Earth’s seafloor and the quintillion gallons of ocean above it have never been scientifically explored, leaving large knowledge gaps that hinder our ability to manage the resources within our planet’s largest ecosystem effectively,” highlighted Allison Fundis, COO of Ocean Exploration Trust.

Harnessing advanced technologies and live-streaming capabilities, OET’s mission isn’t just scientific—it’s also a pioneering effort in inclusivity and education. The public can witness the seafloor come to life in real-time via NautilusLive.org, a 24-hour portal enabling global audiences to virtually partake in the journey. With this telepresence technology, the expedition democratizes oceanic exploration by allowing interaction with the at-sea team and educational Q&A sessions directly from the onboard broadcast studio.

The ambitious expedition not only traverses pristine underwater landscapes like the Ancient Seamounts of Jarvis Island and the protective waters of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary but also contributes to crucial international efforts such as Seabed 2030, a project aiming to complete a high-resolution map of the entire ocean floor by 2030.

Moreover, E/V Nautilus serves as a hub for innovative exploration technologies, integrating uncrewed surface vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and various other cutting-edge instruments. These tools will aid in the meticulous mapping of unexplored seafloors, in line with US National Strategy for Open Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

The 2024 Nautilus expeditions are also a testament to collaborative spirit, as expressed by Dr. Adam Soule, OECI Executive Director: “The upcoming E/V Nautilus season serves as a nexus that brings together the talent and experience of the OECI affiliate institutions to test new technologies and operations, all while fulfilling the mission to explore the unknown parts of the ocean.”

Underscoring the expedition’s significance, Fundis emphasized the importance of not only mapping the unknown but also inspiring ocean curiosity and fostering an inclusive community of ocean explorers. This initiative aligns perfectly with the interests of our user cohort, who appreciate the strategic and technological advancements in exploration, be it on land, sky, or, in this case, the deep sea.

As the E/V Nautilus carves its path through the Pacific, the voyages highlight a deep respect for Indigenous and local communities, acknowledging the oceanic stewardship that has persisted through generations. It’s a fusion of high-tech exploration with the timeless wisdom of those who have long navigated these waters.

To further enrich the exploratory experience, the OET has curated over 150 free STEAM educational resources, making the ocean’s wonders accessible to students and enthusiasts alike, no matter where they are on the globe.

The Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2024 voyage is not merely an expedition; it’s a beacon of discovery, connecting the curious minds of today with the enigmatic depths of our blue planet. As the mission unfolds, each mapped mile promises to shed light on the vast, unexplored stretches beneath the waves, fostering a global understanding and appreciation of our ocean’s boundless mysteries.

Relevant articles:
– Ocean Exploration Trust launches 2024 expedition to map unknown areas of the Pacific Ocean : Maui Now, Maui Now
– Ocean Exploration Trust Launches 2024 Expedition Season on May 25 to Explore Unknown Areas of the Western, Central, and Eastern Pacific Ocean, Nautilus Live | Ocean Exploration Trust