2018 Expedition Season

The Ocean Exploration Trust was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Ballard—best known for his discovery of RMS Titanic’s final resting place and as a National Geographic Explorer in Residence—to engage in pure ocean exploration. Our international programs center on scientific exploration of the seafloor with expeditions launched from Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, a 64-meter research vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. In addition to conducting scientific research, we offer our expeditions to explorers on shore via live video, audio, and data feeds from the field. We also bring educators and students aboard during E/V Nautilus expeditions, offering them hands-on experience in ocean exploration, research, and communications.

The 2018 Nautilus Expedition will launch the fourth year of exploration in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and will be one of the most extensive seasons to date. From June to November, Nautilus will document and survey unexplored regions from British Columbia, Canada, along the West Coast of the United States, and for the first time, west to the Hawaiian Islands.

2018 Nautilus Expeditions

Southern California Mapping

Jun 6 – 9, 2018
NA094

Cascadia Margin

Jun 12 – 29, 2018
NA095

Cascadia Margin & Washington Mapping

Jun 30 – Jul 3, 2018
NA096

Northeast Pacific Seamounts

Jul 6 – 21, 2018
NA097

Ocean Networks Canada

Jul 21 – Aug 4, 2018
NA098

Pacific Seamount Mapping

Aug 6 – 19, 2018
NA099

Kamaʻehuakanaloa (formerly Lō`ihi Seamount)

Aug 23 – Sep 11, 2018
NA100

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Sep 14 – Oct 1, 2018
NA101

Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone

Oct 4 – 18, 2018
NA102

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Oct 21 – 31, 2018
NA103

Expedition Map

Map of Eastern Pacific with 2018 expedition locations marked
Ocean Exploration Trust