About NOAA Ocean Exploration

NOAA Ocean Exploration is the only federal program dedicated to exploring our deep ocean, closing the prominent gap in our basic understanding of U.S. deep waters and seafloor and delivering the ocean information needed to strengthen the economy, health, and security of our nation.

Using the latest tools and technology, NOAA Ocean Exploration explores unknown or poorly known areas of our deep ocean, making discoveries of scientific, economic, and cultural value. Through live video and data streams, online coverage, training opportunities, and events, we allow scientists, resource managers, students, members of the general public, and others to actively experience ocean exploration, allowing broader scientific participation, and cultivating the next generation of ocean explorers, and engaging the public in exploration activities. To better understand our ocean, our office makes exploration data available to the public. This allows us, collectively, to more effectively maintain ocean health, sustainably manage our marine resources, accelerate our national economy, and build a better appreciation of the value and importance of the ocean in our everyday lives.

Our Mission

The mission of NOAA Ocean Exploration is to explore the ocean for national benefit. As the only U.S. federal organization dedicated to exploring the deep ocean, we are filling gaps in the basic understanding of U.S. deep waters and the seafloor and delivering the ocean information needed to strengthen the economy, health, and security of the United States.

Who We Are

NOAA Ocean Exploration includes a diverse range of staff dedicated to carrying out our mission. Staff are located at NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as in field offices around the country.

Opportunities to Get Involved

NOAA Ocean Exploration is the only federal program dedicated to exploring our deep ocean, closing the prominent gaps in our basic understanding of U.S. deep waters and seafloor and delivering the ocean information needed to strengthen the economy, health, and security of our nation.

Partnerships

Given the immense breadth and scope of ocean exploration, partnerships with other federal and state agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industry play a crucial role in all of the work that our office accomplishes.

Funding Opportunities

Through its annual competitive grant opportunity, NOAA Ocean Exploration funds projects designed to enhance ocean exploration and scientific knowledge of unexplored or poorly known areas of the ocean.

Exploration Opportunities

NOAA Ocean Exploration offers several ways to get involved in expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Scientists can participate from shore via telepresence or propose additional projects to execute during expeditions on the ship.

Student Opportunities

As part of its mission to train the next generation of ocean explorers, scientists, engineers, and communicators, NOAA Ocean Exploration hosts students in various internship programs that provide valuable experiences and facilitate skill development. We accept interns through NOAA-wide programs, creates opportunities through external partnerships, and facilitates the Explorer-in-Training Program.

Annual Reports

Since its creation in 2001, NOAA Ocean Exploration has been dedicated to exploring our unknown ocean for national benefit. Browse the annual reports to learn more about our activities over the years.

National Forums on Ocean Exploration

Per the legislation that formalized NOAA’s ocean exploration responsibilities, since 2013, our office has worked with partners to hold periodic national meetings to encourage partnerships and promote communications among experts and other stakeholders to enhance the scientific and technical expertise and relevance of the national ocean exploration program.

Ocean Exploration Advisory Board

The Ocean Exploration Advisory Board advises NOAA leadership on strategic planning, ocean exploration priorities, competitive ocean exploration grant programs, and other exploration matters.