In 2026, E/V Nautilus will explore deep-sea habitats in the Central and Western Pacific using its mapping sonars, ROV systems, and other exploration technologies from partners of the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. Join us in characterizing deep-sea habitats around the Mariana Islands, Wake Island, and the Hawaiian Archipelago. The goals of these expeditions are co-developed with national exploration priorities and input from OET’s open calls for priorities from scientists, resource managers, and local community knowledge holders in the regions where the expeditions will take place. 

Our five 2026 expeditions will build ocean knowledge to support U.S. and international scientific and priorities, particularly by acquiring high-resolution seafloor mapping data in areas with no previous or low-quality data, conducting ROV exploration to characterize poorly known seafloor areas, particularly those that are priorities to resource management and conservation, gathering data to support the science needs of marine managed areas in the Pacific, and sharing that knowledge broadly and openly. 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 in. 

By openly and publicly sharing data collected during these expeditions, we will build upon decades of study, stewardship, and discovery. Mapping and ROV operations will directly contribute to the US National Strategy for Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization, the Seabed 2030 initiative, the NOAA Omics Strategy, and other coordinated initiatives. The integration of various technologies, including landers and autonomous underwater vehicles, into operations aboard E/V Nautilus continues to advance national priorities to increase the efficiency and sophistication of multi-vehicle ocean exploration. The 2026 E/V Nautilus expeditions are primarily sponsored by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute.