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Posted: May 1, 2020

Monumental Connections: Research in Papahānaumokuākea

A large ulua (giant trevally) swims amidst a school of omilu (bluefin trevally) while divers survey corals at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: John Burns/NOAA

This is the second of a series of “Monumental Connections” to Papahānaumokuākea. Look for future lists that will focus on education, video and movies, and lectures and talks.

Research: Scientific, cultural and maritime research are important parts of the overall operations of the monument.

NOAA Okeanos Explorer Missions

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is the only federal vessel dedicated to exploring our largely unknown ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge about the deep ocean.

Expedition science leads Christopher Kelley (background) and Daniel Wagner (foreground) monitor an ROV dive in the science control room of the <i>Okeanos Explorer.

2016 Hohonu Moana: Exploring Deep Waters off Hawaiʻi

This continued the 2015 Hohonu Moana expedition efforts to explore deep-water habitats in and around Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The expedition included work on seamounts in the Mid-Pacific Mountains.
Image: Expedition science leads Christopher Kelley (background) and Daniel Wagner (foreground) monitor an ROV dive in the science control room of the Okeanos Explorer. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2015 Hohonu Moana

NOAA maritime archaeologists survey the remains of a sunken World War II era aircraft at Midway Atoll.

Exploring the Sunken Heritage of Midway Atoll

(May 2017) Scientists explored sunken aircraft associated with the Battle of Midway, adding an important maritime heritage component to our understanding of the broader history of World War II in the Pacific. This project raised awareness and honored the legacy of the brave men who helped to turn the tide in the Pacific during the course of the Battle of Midway.
Maritime archaeologist Dr. Kelly Keogh investigates the distinctive landing gear of a wrecked Brewster F2A-3 Buffalo at Midway Atoll. Credit: Stephani Gordon/Open Boat Films

NOAA Okeanos Explorer Expeditions by Location

Image: Deep-sea corals and sponges provide habitat and refuge for many other animals living on or near the seafloor. Here, a sponge covered with hundreds to thousands of tiny anemones also provides a home to several brittlestars (pink), crinoids or “sea lilies” (yellow), and a basket star (brown). Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research 2015

Schmidt Ocean Institute Expeditions

Coral species were rarely seen in flat and sediment-covered areas (top image), whereas high coral abundance was seen in steep areas with a rocky substrate and strong current.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute is a nonprofit foundation established to advance oceanographic research.

Leg 1: Mapping Papahānaumokuākea

Leg 2: Mapping Papahānaumokuākea

Necker Ridge: Bridge or Barrier

Image: Coral species were rarely seen in flat and sediment-covered areas (top image), whereas high coral abundance was seen in steep areas with a rocky substrate and strong current. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute/ROV SuBastian

E/V Nautilus

Map showing area (outlined in black) within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to be surveyed during the 2018 expedition. White lines show original and expanded boundaries of the Monument.

The E/V Nautilus is operated by the non-profit organization Ocean Exploration Trust, founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Ballard to engage in pure ocean exploration. International programs center on scientific exploration, research, and communications.
Image: Map showing area (outlined in black) within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument that were surveyed during the 2018 expedition aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. White lines show original and expanded boundaries of the Monument. Credit: Chris Kelley/University of Hawaiʻi