In 2025, E/V Nautilus will explore deep-sea habitats in the Western Pacific using its mapping sonars, ROV systems, and other exploration technologies from partner institutions of the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. Join us in characterizing deep-sea habitats around Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, and more. The goals of these expeditions are codeveloped with national exploration priorities and input from scientists, resource managers, and local communities and stakeholders in the regions where the expeditions will take place. 

Our five 2025 expeditions will build ocean knowledge supporting international scientific and U.S. governmental priorities, particularly understanding ocean changes, sharing that knowledge with others, and contributing new discoveries and data to inform future conservation and resource management decisions. OET will also continue to provide opportunities for students, educators, and early career professionals to participate in these missions— both at sea and onshore — particularly for communities whose waters we are guests within. 

Through the open sharing of data collected during these expeditions, we will build upon decades of study, stewardship, and discoveries. Mapping and ROV operations will directly contribute to the US National Strategy for Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization, and other coordinated initiatives. The integration of different technologies, including landers and autonomous underwater vehicles, into operations on E/V Nautilus continues to advance national priorities for increasing the efficiency and sophistication of multi-vehicle ocean exploration. The 2025 E/V Nautilus expeditions are primarily sponsored by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute.