Discovering the Deep: Exploring Remote Pacific MPAs

Discovering the Deep: Exploring Remote Pacific Marine Protected Areas
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Mission Summary

From March 7 – 29, 2017, NOAA and partners conducted a telepresence-enabled ocean exploration expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to collect critical baseline information about unknown and poorly known deepwater areas in the Howland and Baker Unit of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, now known as Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument and the Phoenix Islands Protected Area.

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Expedition summary

Mission Summary

Check out major accomplishments from this 23-day expedition to collect baseline information about deepwater areas in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, now known as Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, American Samoa, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area , and the waters around New Zealand's Territory of Tokelau.

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Meet the women behind this expedition's highlight videos, who are responsible for bringing the amazing vibrant imagery of the deep sea to life for you at home.
Meet the women behind this expedition's highlight videos
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Sea stars are among some of the most ecologically important of marine invertebrates. Some are predators while others are scavengers, but they aren’t known for their rapid movements. So what behavior/structural features have evolved to keep them from being devoured?
SeaStars: ecologically important marine invertebrates
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In the annals of seafaring history, there are many rites of passage and traditions passed down through generations of sailors and explorers. Many are practical, some are symbolic; but nearly all are acknowledged by other seafarers as being representative of capability, experience, and fellowship.
Ancient Order of the Purple Porpoise
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Video Highlights

Dive 04: Gutsy Goosefish

This angler fish, or goosefish, was seen perched on a rock.

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Dive 14: Octopus

This dumbo octopus was observed resting on the seafloor before it took off, gliding through the water as if flying, propelled by the fins behind its eyes.

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Dive 08: A Fish Called Roughy

This fish is a roughy, in the genus Hoplostethus.

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Daily Updates
Daily Updates
Mission Logs
Mission Logs
Image and Video Gallery
Image and Video Gallery
For Educators
For Educators
Background Information
Background Information
Media Resources
Media Resources
Meet the Explorers
Meet the Explorers
Expedition Data
Related Links