Spectacular Sponges of Papahānaumokuākea
Our Corps of Exploration eagerly spotted many types of deep sea sponges while diving on Unnamed Seamount 12, roughly 60 nautical miles northwest of Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll), during the Ala ʻAumoana Kai Uli (NA154) expedition in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. First up is the yellow E.T. Sponge (Advhena magnifica), which was officially discovered and named only a few years ago. Then it’s a unique double-oscula Euplectella glass sponge that stumped some of our scientists. Lastly, take a look at another bright yellow specimen, this time a Bolosoma sponge. These pedunculated siliceous sponges are known for providing a habitat for a plethora of other benthic species.
Ala ʻAumoana Kai Uli in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Ocean Exploration Trust and partners will conduct a telepresence-enabled expedition to explore unseen deep-sea habitats aboard E/V Nautilus with ROV and seafloor mapping operations in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) focused on the largely unexplored northwestern section of the Monument.
