Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping

Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific is envisioned as a multiyear, collaborative science and research campaign aimed at bringing together partners to raise collective knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of waters in the Pacific Islands region through coastal and ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization.

Three mapping expeditions in Papahānaumokuākea

In June, July, and August, NOAA Ocean Exploration is conducting two exploratory ocean mapping expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer focused on waters generally deeper than 200 meters (656 feet) in and around Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

After departing Papahānaumokuākea in August and traveling to Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument through early October, Okeanos Explorer will return to Papahānaumokuākea for a third mapping expedition in October and November.

View expedition dates, numbers, names, and ports of call for the six expeditions being conducted on Okeanos Explorer in support of Beyond the Blue in 2024.

Importance of the Expeditions

The waters in the Pacific Islands region span a diverse range of ecosystems and dynamic geological environments and are home to cultures with long histories of ocean voyaging and exploration. They contain some of the last relatively pristine marine ecosystems on the planet and harbor numerous protected species, as well as undiscovered shipwrecks and cultural landscapes sacred to the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific.

The biological, ecological, cultural, and geological significance of these areas has led to the designation of several marine protected areas, including Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. National marine sanctuary designation is proposed for the marine areas of both Papahānaumokuākea and the Pacific Remote Islands.

Despite the importance of these waters, they remain largely unexplored, particularly deep waters in the region. We can’t effectively manage or protect what we don’t understand. As we increasingly look to the deep ocean for the resources it holds and the services it can provide, more and better data are needed to help us make the right decisions to ensure the vitality of these ocean places.

Find out more about Beyond the Blue.