Video:
ROV Hercules Catches a Glimpse of a Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish)
![Purple orb creature](/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/images/cruises/2016-nautilus-na074-cinms_creatures-4.jpg?h=b274dd1a&itok=pYIkBUTa)
Expedition
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
The deep-water biological habitat and geological character of the seafloor around the Channel Islands are poorly understood despite considerable research in the area and a number of special designations in place to protect these regions. Less than 50% of the seafloor within the boundaries of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) has been mapped by high-resolution sonar.