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 Eastern Pacific Ocean along the US West Coast and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Our 2021 expedition sponsors include NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Oceanographic Partnership Program, and Ocean Networks Canada. Expeditions include technology testing cruises off of southern California, seafloor mapping expeditions along the west coast, across the Pacific and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and ROV-focused expeditions off of Cascadia Margin, northwest of the Hawaiian Islands, and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
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
To participate in our 2021 expeditions funded by our NOAA OER, NOPP, and ONMS grants, please review our 2021 Nautilus Expedition locations and fill out the registration form (linked below). Registration is accepted at any time. The time commitment for is entirely self-determined--participate as actively as you would like. Data and samples are available post-expedition to all regardless of participation.
By completing the registration form, you will:
- be added to the appropriate expedition mailing list(s) to receive dive plans and Situation Reports from the ship during the cruise as well as other relevant information,
- be invited to a pre-cruise planning call to prioritize and help define cruise objectives, and
- receive a log-in to participate in and contribute to our scientific observation and chat system.
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.
