Researchers and scientists are needed to make the most of our exploration by transforming the data and samples collected into discoveries! You can participate live via telepresence with Exploration Vessel Nautilus as we explore the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean. In May, in collaboration with our expedition partners like NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute and the Office of Naval Research, Ocean Exploration Trust will launch our 2023 field season. Further expedition details will be released in February 2023.
Shorebased participants can view live video and some data feeds from ROVs Hercules and Argus, view data from seafloor and water column mapping efforts, participate in a text dialogue with shipboard scientists and other onshore scientists, and contribute to ROV dives and mapping operations.
Who Should Register
Researchers from all sectors, undergraduate, community college, and graduate students, and early career scientists are encouraged to register. The general public, including educators and students of all ages, are encouraged to watch our live stream and send in questions to our team on watch.
How to Participate
We invite members of the ocean science and management community to submit priorities for seafloor mapping, remotely operated vehicle dives, and sampling on 2023 expeditions to map and explore deep-water areas in the Central and Eastern Pacific. Please provide your input by February 1, 2023. Information received will be used to refine expedition plans, which will be discussed during community calls preceding each expedition.
Registration is now open for the 2023 E/V Nautilus Scientist Ashore Portal. By registering for cruises, users are invited to:
- Request expedition planning documents and daily expedition updates;
- submit input on research interests and site locations; and
- participate in expeditions via OET's Scientist Ashore portal (text-based chat, low-latency live streams of ROV dives, real-time data feeds, webmap)
Data and samples are available to all regardless of participation.
Watch Recorded 2022 Scientist Ashore Community Call
Questions on registering? Please email science@oet.org.
Requesting Data and Samples
Expedition data and samples are available post-cruise and scientists are encouraged to utilize data for scientific papers and presentations, student projects, and as a foundation for research grants, etc.
Data: All data including ROV and seafloor mapping digital data and video from the ROVs is available upon request. Previous E/V Nautilus data can be found at the Rolling Deck to Repository (R2R), but for early access to new datasets or pre-2017 data, please use the OET Video & Data Request form. Please allow 1-4 weeks for digital data delivery and up to 12 weeks for video delivery.
Geological Specimens: All geological samples will be archived at the University of Rhode Island’s Marine Geological Sample Lab at the conclusion of the cruise. Subsamples will be available to the scientific community by request.
Biological Specimens: Subsamples will be available to the scientific community by request from Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ).
To review past expedition locations and information, browse the Nautilus Live Expedition web page and NOAA Digital Ocean Atlas.
Any questions about the program or data/sample accessibility can be sent to: datamanager@oet.org.
Chartering Our Technology
Exploration Vessel Nautilus and OET’s Mobile ROV System are available for charter to scientists, government agencies, corporations, or NGOs for oceanographic research and education projects that align with Ocean Exploration Trust’s mission. Nautilus will be operating in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean between the west coast of North America, Guam, and American Samoa. In addition, we have the capability of putting our 4,000-6,000 m rated ROV systems on a chartered vessel to conduct exploration anywhere in the world.
