Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts

Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts

Image and Video Gallery

This page contains photos and videos associated with the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition. Click on any image or video to view a larger version and for additional information.

USS Baltimore (C-3) Wreck

USS Baltimore (C-3) Wreck

The remains of USS Baltimore (C-3), upright and intact on the flat sandy seafloor where it was scuttled in 1944 near the southern shore of Oahu, Hawai‘i.

USS Baltimore (C-3) Photogrammetry Model

USS Baltimore (C-3) Photogrammetry Model

In 2023, using video collected during this expedition in 2017, NOAA Ocean Exploration produced a photogrammetry model of the wreck of USS Baltimore (C-3).

Infographic summarizing accomplishments from the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition.

Summary Infographic

Infographic summarizing accomplishments from the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition.

Overview map showing seafloor bathymetry and ROV dives completed during the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition.

Overview map showing seafloor bathymetry and ROV dives completed during the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition.

[video] NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer making her way into port in Honolulu, Hawaii, and docking at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

CAPSTONE Homecoming

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer making her way into port in Honolulu, Hawaii, and docking at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

[video] During the expedition, the team explored waters within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone as well as in waters known as the 'high seas.'

The Ocean Knows No Boundaries

During the expedition, the team explored waters within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone as well as in waters known as the "high seas."

[video] An overview of the coral communities of the Musicians Seamount area.

Coral in Concert

An overview of the coral communities of the Musicians Seamount area.

[video] Highlights from the dive on the iron hulled USS Baltimore.

Dive 22: Lessons from the USS Baltimore

Highlights from the dive on the iron hulled USS Baltimore.

[video] A rare six gill stingray (Hexatrygon bickelli) and a lantern shark seen on Dive 21.

Dive 21: Finding Mysteries

A rare six gill stingray (Hexatrygon bickelli) and a lantern shark seen on Dive 21.

[video] Precious gold coral seen colonizing bamboo coral while exploring Middle Bank.

Dive 20: All That Glitters

Precious gold coral seen colonizing bamboo coral while exploring Middle Bank.

[video] High density, old growth coral communities observed.

Dive 19: Old Growth Forest

High density, old growth coral communities observed.

[video] This giant species of sponge had only ever been seen twice before, both times in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Dive 18: Mega Sponge

This giant species of sponge had only ever been seen twice before, both times in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

[video] While exploring on Schumann Seamount at a depth of ~2,100 meters (6,890 feet), the team encountered this halosaur, belonging to the genus Aldrovandia, as evidenced by the lack of scales on its nose.

Dive 18: The Little Dragon

While exploring on Schumann Seamount, the team encountered this halosaur, belonging to the genus Aldrovandia.

[video] A seastar dining on a Nurella and it's polyps.

Dive 17: Yum Yum Yum

A seastar dining on a Nurella and its polyps.

[video] Fauna distributions in the water column.

Dive 16: Hiding in the Dark

Fauna distributions in the water column.

[video] A dancing sea cucumber is observed cleaning up the bottom sediment of organic material.

Dive 15: The Dancing Vacuum Cleaner

A dancing sea cucumber is observed cleaning up the bottom sediment of organic material.

$[video] Structural fractures and lava flow evidence observed at Liszt Seamount.$

Dive 14: The Big Picture

Structural fractures and lava flow evidence observed at Liszt Seamount.

Dive 13: The Largest Predator

At 127 centimeters long, this cutthroat eel could be the largest short-finned cutthroat eel ever recorded.

[video] During the dive on Mussorgsky Seamount, the Okeanos team encountered this crab which appeared to be eating a sponge.

Dive 12: Munchies

During the dive on Mussorgsky Seamount, scientists saw this crab which appeared to be eating a sponge.

[video] On Sunday, September 17, the team conducted the first-ever Okeanos remotely operated vehicle dive dedicated exclusively to exploring the water column. The water column is the largest, and least explored, habitat on Earth.

Dive 11: World of Water (WOW)

On September 17, the team conducted the first-ever Okeanos Explorer dive dedicated exclusively to exploring the water column.

[video] During Dive 10 at Shostakovich Seamount, the team was stumped by this unusual parasite on a Nematacarsinus sp. shrimp.

Dive 10: Dead Shrimp Walking?

On Shostakovich Seamount, the team was stumped by this unusual parasite on a shrimp.

[video] On September 16, while exploring Shostakovich Seamount at a depth of ~2,800 meters (9,190 feet), the team saw a dense community of huge bamboo coral, some of which were as wide and tall as the remotely operated vehicle.ghlights from the September 15 dive on Verdi Seamount at depth of ~3,075 meters (1.9 miles).

Dive 10: Bamboozled

While exploring Shostakovich Seamount, the team saw a dense community of bamboo coral, some of as big as the ROV.

[video] Highlights from the September 15 dive on Verdi Seamount at depth of ~3,075 meters (1.9 miles).

Dive 09: Undescribed Verdi

Highlights from the September 15 dive on Verdi Seamount at depth of ~3,075 meters.

[video] These two crabs were observed during the dive on Wagner Seamount, at a depth of ~2,500 meters (1.6 miles). Scientists were not sure if they were observing a predation event or mating behavior during this deep-sea waltz.

Dive 08: A Precarious Waltz

These two crabs were observed during the dive on Wagner Seamount, at a depth of ~2,500 meters.

[video] On September 13, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Deep Discoverer reached the seafloor at 2,200 meters (1.4 miles) depth on Debussy Seamount and was surrounded by a dense coral and sponge community as far as the camera could see.

Dive 07: Dense, Diverse, and Hungry

Deep Discoverer reached the seafloor on Debussy Seamount and was surrounded by a dense coral and sponge community.

[video] While exploring Gounod Seamount at 2,800 meters (1.7 miles), the team encountered this swimming polychaete, which belongs to the aptly named genus, Swima.

Dive 05: Let's Go Swima

While exploring Gounod Seamount, the team encountered this polychaete.

[video] On September 10, during the fourth dive of the expedition, scientists explored Sibelius Seamount, starting at a depth 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) and slowly moving up to the flat summit of the seamount.

Dive 04: The Ocean Knows No Boundaries

On September 10, scientists explored Sibelius Seamount and observed two high-density coral and sponge communities.

[video] Dive 3 found some beautiful Anthomastus corals.

Dive 03: Beethoven Ridge

Scientists found beautiful corals, sponges, and other life during Dive 03.

[video] The first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dive ever conducted in the Musicians Seamounts.

Dive 02: “Beach Ridge”

This was the first ROV dive ever conducted in the Musicians Seamounts.

[video] During Dive 01, we explored a dense coral and sponge community on 'Tropic of Cancer' seamount.

Dive 01: Prelude

During Dive 01, we explored a dense coral and sponge community on "Tropic of Cancer" seamount.

[image] NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at University of Hawaii Marine Center - Pier 35.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at University of Hawaii Marine Center - Pier 35.

[image] The rounded stern of the USS Baltimore was modified to include doors and deployment rails for laying sea mines during World War I.

The rounded stern of the USS Baltimore was modified for laying sea mines during World War I.

[image] This view of the USS Baltimore foredeck shows the forecastle and upper hull strakes have been removed, likely to aid the scuttling of the ship.

This view of the USS Baltimore foredeck shows the forecastle and upper hull strakes have been removed.

[image] The knife-edge bow stem of the USS Baltimore was covered in brisingids and other deepwater fauna.

The knife-edge bow stem of the USS Baltimore was covered in brisingids and other deepwater fauna.

[image] At 785 meters (2,575 feet) depth, remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer encountered a World War II-period causeway called a “rhino barge.”

At 785 meters depth, ROV Deep Discoverer encountered a World War II-period causeway called a “rhino barge.”

[image] An unusual observation of a six-gilled stingray, Hexatrygon bickelli.

Six-gilled Stingray

An unusual observation of a six-gilled stingray, Hexatrygon bickelli.

[image] View of Oahu from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

View of Oahu from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

[image] This cookie star was identified as Sphaeriodiscus ammohiluis.

This cookie star was identified as Sphaeriodiscus ammohiluis.

[image] These two colonies could be equated to a before and after shot of colonization by gold coral (left), Kulamanamana haumeaae, and likely host colony species, bamboo coral (right), Acanella sp.

These two colonies could be equated to a before and after shot of colonization by gold coral and likely host colony species, bamboo coral.

[image] A scorpion fish, seen next to a mushroom coral, was observed at 460 meters (1,509 feet) depth.

A scorpion fish, seen next to a mushroom coral, was observed at 460 meters depth.

[image] A dense pink coral garden was found at nearly 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) on Mendellsohn Seamount

Mendellsohn Seamount

A dense pink coral garden was found at nearly 1,800 meters on Mendellsohn Seamount.

[image] This sea spider was observed at about 1,675 meters (5,495 feet) depth on a bamboo coral that has been colonized by yellow parazoanthids.

This sea spider was observed on a bamboo coral that has been colonized by yellow parazoanthids.

[image] A pink coral (Hemicorallium sp.) observed at ~1,654 meters (5,426 feet) had a base approximately 18 centimeters (seven inches) wide, indicating a particularly old colony.

A pink coral observed at ~1,654 meters had a base approximately 18 centimeters wide, indicating a particularly old colony.

[image] This pair of unusual urchins with soft spines were found at close to 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) depth.

Pair of Urchins

This pair of unusual urchins with soft spines were found at close to 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) depth.

[image] A zooanthid overgrows a pink bubblegum coral with a brittlestar associate.

A zooanthid overgrows a pink bubblegum coral with a brittlestar associate.

[image] This large rippled sponge, approximately four meters (13.1 feet) in length, looks to be the same animal discovered during the Okeanos Explorer 2015 Hohonu Moana expedition.

This large rippled sponge looks to be the same animal discovered during the Okeanos Explorer 2015 Hohonu Moana expedition.

[image] Pink and purple squat lobster, perched on a black coral, is thought to belong a new genus.

Pink and purple squat lobster, perched on a black coral, is thought to belong a new genus.

[image] Solmissus jellyfish observed during midwater transects during Dive 17 of the Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition.

Solmissus Jellyfish

Solmissus jellyfish observed during midwater transects during Dive 17 of the expedition.

[image] An exciting observation during today’s midwater transects, this fangtooth fish was seen at 800 meters (2,625 feet).

An exciting observation during today’s midwater transects, this fangtooth fish was seen at 800 meters.

[image] An egg mass observed in the water column. We cannot be sure what type of eggs these are based on images of video alone.

An egg mass observed in the water column. We cannot be sure what type of eggs these are based on video alone.

[image] A siphonophore observed in the water column during the second full day of midwater exploration on September 22, 2017.

A siphonophore observed in the water column during the second full day of midwater exploration.

[image] A siphonophore observed in the water column during the second full day of midwater exploration on September 22, 2017.

Another Siphonophore

A siphonophore observed in the water column during the second full day of midwater exploration.

[image] This glass sponge (Saccocalyx sp.) was one of many glass sponges observed throughout the dive on Mozart Seamount.

This glass sponge was one of many glass sponges observed throughout the dive on Mozart Seamount.

[image] The geology highlight of the dive at Mozart Seamount was a field of nearly spherical intact “pillow balls” at approxiamtely 3,765 meters (2.34 miles).

The geology highlight of the dive at Mozart Seamount was a field of nearly spherical intact “pillow balls.”

[image] Anemone observed while diving at Mozart Seamount on September 21, 2017.

Anemone observed while diving at Mozart Seamount on September 21, 2017.

[image] Pleurogorgia militaris chrysogorgid coral on massive pillow flow outcrop at a depth of 2,527 meters (8,290 feet) on Liszt Seamount..

Chrysogorgid Coral

Pleurogorgia militaris chrysogorgid coral on massive pillow flow outcrop at a depth of 2,527 meters.

[image] An unusual looking unknown urchin perched on the underside of a large boulder of volcanic origin at Liszt Seamount.

An unknown urchin perched on the underside of a large boulder of volcanic origin at Liszt Seamount.

[image] ROV Deep Discoverer’s manipulator arm collecting a stalked crinoid while diving at Liszt Seamount.

Collecting a Stalked Crinoid

ROV Deep Discoverer’s manipulator arm collecting a stalked crinoid while diving at Liszt Seamount.

[image] ROV Deep Discoverer documents the benthic communities at Paganini Seamount, capturing high-resolution imagery that can be used by scientists to identify organisms and build a baseline characterization of what these habitats look like.

Paganini Seamount

ROV Deep Discoverer documents the benthic communities at Paganini Seamount.

[image] Large Primnoid colonies colonize a rocky outcrop at Paganini Seamount.

Primnoid Colonies

Large Primnoid colonies colonize a rocky outcrop at Paganini Seamount.

[image] The science team observed a number of amphipods (small white objects) feeding on a salp’s insides (yellow) while exploring the water column on September 19, 2017.

Amphipods Feeding

The science team observed a number of amphipods feeding on a salp’s insides while exploring the water column.

[image] At the beginning of the dive on Mussorgsky Seamount, the corals were aligned perpendicular to the current, which is the optimal position to acquire food.

Mussorgsky Seamount

At the beginning of the dive on Mussorgsky Seamount, the corals were aligned perpendicular to the current.

[image] As the ROVs left the summit of Mussorgsky Seamount, coral continued in every direction as far as the light pool reached.

Coral In Every Direction

As the ROVs left the summit of Mussorgsky Seamount, coral continued in every direction as far as the light pool reached.

[image] Corals not only provide home for animals, they are also food for coral predators, like this sea star.

Shelter and Sustenance

Corals not only provide home for animals, they are also food for coral predators, like this sea star.

[image] Cranchiid squid observed during the Okeanos Explorer’s first-ever full day of midwater exploration.

Cranchiid Squid

Cranchiid squid observed during the Okeanos Explorer’s first-ever full day of midwater exploration.

[image] Lancetfish observed during midwater transects on Dive 11 near Mahler Seamount.

Lancetfish observed during midwater transects on Dive 11 near Mahler Seamount.

[image] Close-up view of the structure of one of the many glass sponges observed at Shostakovich Seamount.

Sponge Close-up

Close-up view of one of the many glass sponges observed at Shostakovich Seamount.

[image] The coral community at Shostakovich Seamount was different than the ones observed on other dives.

Shostakovich Seamount

The coral community at Shostakovich Seamount was different than the ones observed on other dives.

[image] Rattail fish observed while exploring Shostakovich Seamount.

Rattail fish observed while exploring Shostakovich Seamount.

[image] On Dive 09 at Verdi Seamount, the team observed this ctenophore that may be new to science as it is an undescribed species and in an undescribed family.

This ctenophore may be new to science as it is an undescribed species and in an undescribed family.

[image] On September 15, while diving on Verdi Seamount, this curious rattail fish (Coryphaenoides sp.) with parasitic copepod on fin checked out ROV Deep Discoverer.

Curious Rattail

This curious rattail fish with a parasitic copepod on its fin checked out Deep Discoverer.

[image] ROV Deep Discoverer explores a talus slope on Verdi Seamount.

ROV Deep Discoverer explores a talus slope on Verdi Seamount.

[image] Our science team is always excited about acts of predation when exploring the deep sea!

Acts Of Predation

Our science team is always excited about acts of predation when exploring the deep sea!

[image] Dive 08 revealed another high-density deep-sea coral community at Wagner Seamount.

Wagner Seamount

Dive 08 revealed another high-density deep-sea coral community at Wagner Seamount.

[image] This pair took our science team by surprise. These two Paralomis crabs appear to be in a delicate mating dance.

Crab Mating Dance

These two Paralomis crabs appear to be in a delicate mating dance.

[image] Rock samples collected during today’s dive, as well as every other dive, will be used to better understand the age and geologic history of this complex region.

Rock samples collected during dives will be used to better understand the age and geologic history of this complex region.

[image] Always an exciting find, this deep sea lizardfish was observed close to the shallow edge of the species depth range.

Deep-sea Lizardfish

This deep-sea lizardfish was observed close to the shallow edge of the species depth range.

[image] A diverse, dense coral community was present throughout the dive at Debussy Seamount. Several colonies were very large, indicating a stable environment for many years.

Debussy Seamount

A diverse, dense coral community was present throughout the dive at Debussy Seamount.

[image] Rough seas and high winds to the port side of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Rough seas and high winds to the port side of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

[image] Glass sponge observed at 2,730 meters (8,960 feet) while diving at Gounod Seamount on September 11, 2017.

Gounod Seamount

Glass sponge observed at 2,730 meters while diving at Gounod Seamount.

[image] A sea spider measuring nearly 30 centimeters (one foot) in diameter feeds on an anemone on Gounod Seamount.

A sea spider measuring nearly 30 centimeters in diameter feeds on an anemone on Gounod Seamount.

[image] Dandelion siphonophore observed at Gounod Seamount

Dandelion Siphonophore

Dandelion siphonophore observed at Gounod Seamount

[image] On September 10, 2017, while exploring Sibelius Seamount, the team observed this garden of coral at a depth of 2,465 meters (8,080 feet).

Sibelius Seamount

While exploring Sibelius Seamount, the team observed this garden of coral at a depth of 2,465 meters.

[image] This hatchetfish was spotted in the water column at a depth of 500 meters (1,640 feet) during midwater transects on September 10, 2017.

This hatchetfish was spotted in the water column at a depth of 500 meters during midwater transects.

[image] This vibrant yellow glass sponge (Bolosoma sp.) was observed at a depth of 2,479 meters (8,133 feet) while exploring Sibelius Seamount.

Yellow Glass Sponge

This vibrant yellow glass sponge was observed at a depth of 2,479 meters while exploring Sibelius Seamount.

[image] This high-density coral and sponge community was observed at a depth of ~2,300 meters (7,545 feet) while exploring Beethoven Ridge.

Beethoven Ridge

This high-density coral and sponge community was observed at a depth of ~2,300 meters on Beethoven Ridge.

[image] The team observed this unidentified glass sponge while exploring Beethoven Ridge on September 9, 2017.

Unidentified Glass Sponge

The team observed this unidentified glass sponge while exploring Beethoven Ridge.

[image] Just one of many Anthomastus sp., a type of octocoral, observed at the summit of Beethoven Ridge.

Just one of many Anthomastus sp., a type of octocoral, observed at the summit of Beethoven Ridge.

[image] This Primnoid coral was observed at a depth of approximately 3,280 meters (2.0 miles) while diving on “Beach Ridge.”

This Primnoid coral was observed at a depth of ~3,280 meters while diving on “Beach Ridge.”

[image] Glass sponges can provide habitat and protection for small organisms like this shrimp, observed at a depth of 3,146 meters.

Shrimp Protection

Glass sponges can provide habitat and protection for small organisms like this shrimp, observed at 3,146 meters.

[image] This chanux, a type of anglerfish, was observed at a depth of approximately 3,148 meters (1.96 miles).

This chanux, a type of anglerfish, was observed at a depth of approximately 3,148 meters.

[image] One of many sightings during today’s dive of a seastar feeding on coral. Here you can see a Calliaster sp. sea star's tube feet feeding on bamboo coral.

Feeding On Coral

One of many sightings during today’s dive of a seastar feeding on coral.

[image] While at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount, we observed a diversity of coral and sponge species. Shown here is a glass sponge and a diversity of octocorals.

Tropic of Cancer Seamount

While at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount, we observed a diversity of coral and sponge species.

[image] A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer prepares to deploy to the bow of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a training drill off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.

U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer prepares to deploy during a training drill.

[image] A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer is deployed to the bow of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a training drill off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.

Rescue Swimmer Deployed

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer is deployed to the Okeanos Explorer during a training drill.

[image] A possible volcanic ridge extends eastward from Liszt seamount.

A possible volcanic ridge extends eastward from Liszt seamount.

[image] A relatively rare deep sea anglerfish.

A relatively rare deep sea anglerfish.

[image] Large, blocky basalt outcrop with dense coral community.

Large, blocky basalt outcrop with dense coral community.

[image] Sharp contact between two substrate types.

Sharp contact between two substrate types.

[image] The team launches ROV Seirios onto the back deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

The team launches ROV Seirios onto the back deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

[image] A 30 meter-long neutral tether connects Seirios to Deep Discoverer.

A 30 meter-long neutral tether connects Seirios to Deep Discoverer.

[image] The forward-facing high-definition camera is the most commonly seen view from ROV Seirios.

Forward-facing High-definition Camera

The forward-facing high-definition camera is the most commonly seen view from ROV Seirios.

[image] ROV Seirios acts as a brilliant source of light in the “night sky” of the ocean.

Brilliant Source of Light

ROV Seirios acts as a brilliant source of light in the “night sky” of the ocean.

[image] The landscape views at a number of seamount summits visited in the Musicians Seamounts were similar to this one.

Landscape Views

The landscape views at a number of seamount summits visited in the Musicians Seamounts were similar to this one.

[image] At a couple different sites, like Liszt Seamount and Beethoven Ridge, mushroom corals, like these Anthomastus, were common.

Mushroom Corals

At a couple different sites mushroom corals were common.

[image] Dandelion siphonophores, like this one observed at Gounod Seamount, are always a treat to see.

Dandelion Siphonophores

Dandelion siphonophores, like this one observed at Gounod Seamount, are always a treat to see.

[image] It is always exciting to see small, young corals in high density, like we saw at Rapano Ridge, as it is an indication of healthy populations.

Healthy Population

It is always exciting to see small, young corals in high density, as it is an indication of healthy populations.

[image] Rock samples can tell us a lot about the geologic origin of the seamount or ridge they were collected from and can help us figure out how a feature fits in with the puzzle of the Musicians Seamounts.

Rock samples can tell us a lot about the geologic origin of the seamount or ridge they were collected from.

[image] So far during the expedition, we have had several “bonus” observations of water column fauna, like this jellyfish observed at Sibelius Seamount.

Sibelius Seamount Jelly

We have had several “bonus” observations of water column fauna, like this jellyfish at Sibelius Seamount.

[image] One of the most abundant vertebrates on earth, Cyclothones were a common fauna observed during our midwater exploration in the Musicians Seamounts.

Cyclothones were a common fauna observed during our midwater exploration in the Musicians Seamounts.

[image] These two sea elephants were spotted on during our second full day of water column exploration.

Two Sea Elephants

These two sea elephants were spotted on during our second full day of water column exploration.

[image] Observations of predation in the deep sea are often rare and always exciting for our team.

Observations of predation in the deep sea are often rare and always exciting for our team.

[image] During our ROV dives in the Musicians Seamounts, we observed multiple instances of this once-thought-to-be rare jellyfish predating upon a coral. Here, the jellyfish are eating Iridogorgia polyps at Liszt Seamount.

Jellyfish Eats Coral

During our dives, we observed multiple instances of this once-thought-to-be rare jellyfish predating upon a coral.

[image] This new species of sponge has only ever been seen twice before in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

New Species of Sponge

This new species of sponge has only ever been seen twice before in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

[image] A sea spider feeds on an anemone that had colonized a bamboo coral branch at Shostakovich Seamount.

Sea Spider Feeds

A sea spider feeds on an anemone that had colonized a bamboo coral branch at Shostakovich Seamount.

[image] ROV Deep Discoverer explores the edge of a sharp ridge feature at Mozart Seamount.

Exploring the Edge

ROV Deep Discoverer explores the edge of a sharp ridge feature at Mozart Seamount.

[image] Deep-sea corals and sponges provide habitat to a number of organisms.

Deep-sea corals and sponges provide habitat to a number of organisms.

[image] Everyone loves a good squat lobster! This potentially new species was observed on a black coral at Liszt Seamount.

Everyone loves a good squat lobster! This potentially new species was observed on a black coral at Liszt Seamount.

[image] Alepisaurus ferox, also known as the lancetfish.

Alepisaurus ferox, also known as the lancetfish.

[image] This species of Anoplogaster, known as a fangtooth, spent some time considering what Deep Discoverer was doing down there

This species of Anoplogaster, known as a fangtooth, spent time considering what Deep Discoverer was doing.

[image] This dark red species of Lampocteis is a lobate ctenophore nicknamed the samurai helmet jelly.

Samurai Helmet Jelly

This dark red species of Lampocteis is a lobate ctenophore nicknamed the samurai helmet jelly.

[image] This species of Solmissus, or dinner plate jelly, was seen during our last set of midwater transects of the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition.

Dinner Plate Jelly

This species of Solmissus, or dinner plate jelly, was seen during our last set of midwater transects of the expedition.

[image] Solmandella, two sword jelly spotted in the water column during the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition.

Two Sword Jelly

Solmandella, two sword jelly spotted in the water column during the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition.

[image] Halicreas minimum, the warty clubfoot jelly, shown here with an amphipod along for the ride.

Warty Clubfoot Jelly

Halicreas minimum, the warty clubfoot jelly, shown here with an amphipod along for the ride.

[image] After seeing some squid ink in the water, we finally encountered this boarlet squid.

After seeing some squid ink in the water, we finally encountered this boarlet squid.

[image] A prayid siphonophore was discovered with tentacles extended from the long siphosome ready to capture prey.

Prayid Siphonophore

A prayid siphonophore was discovered with tentacles extended from the long siphosome ready to capture prey.

[image] This sergestiid shrimp is an excellent example with its long antennae reaching out to detect movement.

This sergestiid shrimp has long antennae reaching out to detect movement.

[image] Chaetognaths were extremely abundant on the midwater dives in the Musicians Seamounts region, inhabiting a broad depth range.

Arrowworms were extremely abundant on the midwater dives in the Musicians Seamounts region.

[image] An oikopluerid, or larvacean inside its elaborately shaped gelatinous house.

An oikopluerid, or larvacean inside its elaborately shaped gelatinous house.

[image] High-density coral community at Sibelius Seamount in the Musicians Seamounts. Areas like this with a large number of organisms will take a while to annotate, as every organism needs to be documented separately, and we saw hundreds, if not thousands!

Sibelius Seamount

High-density coral community at Sibelius Seamount in the Musicians Seamounts.

[image] View of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer investigating a large primnoid coral colony.

View of ROV Deep Discoverer investigating a large primnoid coral colony.

[image] After NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and the remotely operated vehicles Seirios and Deep Discoverer collect video data from across the Pacific, video annotators at the University of Hawaii combine animal identifications and habitat observations using the Video Annotation and Reference System (VARS) software developed by Monterey Bay Aquarium and Research Institute (MBARI). These data will then be available in the NOAA Deep-Sea Coral Research and Technology Database.

Collection To Incorporation

Video annotation process from collection to incorporation in the NOAA Deep-Sea Coral Research and Technology Database.

[image] NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer has been fortunate to work with many skilled and knowledgeable NOAA Corps officers

NOAA Corps Officers

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer has been fortunate to have had many skilled and knowledgeable NOAA Corps officers on board.

[image] LCDR Fionna Matheson plots fixes on the paper charts on the bridge of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

LCDR Fionna Matheson

LCDR Fionna Matheson plots fixes on the paper charts on the bridge of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

[image] ENS Anna Hallingstad scans the horizon from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

ENS Anna Hallingstad

ENS Anna Hallingstad scans the horizon from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

[image] Ensign ENS Brianna Pacheco works on navigation systems on the bridge of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in preparation for an ROV dive.

ENS Brianna Pacheco

Ensign ENS Brianna Pacheco works on navigation systems on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in preparation for an ROV dive.

[image] Map of Wagner Seamount showing the location of our remotely operated vehicle dive.

Wagner Seamount

Map of Wagner Seamount showing the location of our remotely operated vehicle dive.

[image] Smooth lava flows like these tend to indicate rapid movement of lava as it erupts either due to erupting on a steep slope or the expulsion of lots of lava from a volcano in a short period of time.

Smooth Lava Flow

Smooth lava flows like these tend to indicate rapid movement of lava as it erupts.

[image] We had to sample this lava to help us learn more about this very rapidly erupting volcanic feature on Wagner Seamount.

Erupting Volcanic Feature

We sampled this lava to help us learn more about this erupting volcanic feature on Wagner Seamount.

[image] Large cology of Iridogorgia magisprialis, an octocoral in the family Chrysogorgiidae.

Large cology of Iridogorgia magisprialis, an octocoral in the family Chrysogorgiidae.

[image] Dense and diverse coral community at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount with large Iridogoria sp. (center), bamboo coral (foreground and background), black coral (right), pink coral (right), and glass sponges (lower middle).

Coral Community

Dense and diverse coral community at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount.

[image] Example of a habitat suitability model for deep-sea corals in the family Paragorgiidae (pictured top left) in the Main Hawaiian Islands Exclusive Economic Zone.

Example of a habitat suitability model for deep-sea corals in the family Paragorgiidae.

[image] Beautiful “bamboo forest” of Isididae coral on an outcrop at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount.

Beautiful “bamboo forest” of Isididae coral on an outcrop at “Tropic of Cancer” Seamount.

[image] This sea toad or coffinfish (Chaunacops species) was seen at a depth of about 3,148 meters (1.96 miles), during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dive at a seamount ridge, dubbed “Beach Ridge,” in the Musicians Seamount group northeast of Oʼahu, Hawaiian Islands.

[image] This Commerson’s frogfish (Antennarius commersoni), photographed at SCUBA-diving depths off Oʼahu, has its lure folded back along its head so that it cannot be seen.

This Commerson’s frogfish has its lure folded back along its head so that it cannot be seen.

[image] A Chaunax umbrinus photographed during an Okeanos Explorer ROV dive on the southwest coast of Niʼihau, Hawaiʼi, between 312-538 meters (1024-1765 feet).

Chaunax umbrinus

A Chaunax umbrinus photographed during an Okeanos Explorer dive on the southwest coast of Niʼihau, Hawaiʼi.

[image] A Chaunacops coloratus photographed during an ROV Deep Discoverer dive at about 2,239 meters (7,346 feet) on a flat-topped seamount (guyot) west of Wake Atoll on August 6, 2016.

Chaunacops coloratus

A Chaunacops coloratus photographed during a dive on a flat-topped seamount west of Wake Atoll in 2016.

[image] This bright-red Chaunacops observed during the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition differed from those usually seen by having a brighter color, larger cirri, and smaller or no prickles on its back.

Unusual Chaunacops

This bright-red Chaunacops observed during the expedition differed from those usually seen.

[image] ROV Deep Discoverer collects a sample of Anthomastus.

ROV Deep Discoverer collects a sample of Anthomastus.

[image] Colonies of Iridogorgia spotted on dive 2.

Colonies of Iridogorgia spotted on Dive 02.

[image] A particularly adorable chaunax observed on dive 3.

A particularly adorable chaunax observed on Dive

[image] Deep sea coral and sponge communities at Beethoven Ridge.

Beethoven Ridge

Deep-sea coral and sponge communities at Beethoven Ridge.

[image] Seiros just before launch on our first dive in the Musicians Seamounts.

Seiros just before launch on our first dive in the Musicians Seamounts.

[image] NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer shortly before departing for the last expedition of NOAA’s Campaign to Address Pacific monument, Science, Technology, and Ocean NEeds (CAPSTONE).

Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer shortly before departing for the last CAPSTONE expedition.

[image] During the expedition, NOAA’s ROV Deep Discoverer will be used to acquire high-definition visual data and collect limited samples in poorly explored areas near the boundaries of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and in the Musicians Seamounts.

High-definition Visual Data

Deep Discoverer will be used to acquire high-definition visual data and collect limited samples in poorly explored areas.

[image] Map of the general expedition operating area. The yellow line is the rough cruise track through the Musicians Seamounts during the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition.

Expedition Operating Area

Map of the general expedition operating area. The yellow line is the rough cruise track through the Musicians Seamounts.

[image] Scientists participating at the University of Hawaii ECC. Collaboration among different fields of study is easily fostered with so many scientists working together in one location.

Scientists at the ECC

Scientists participating at the University of Hawaii ECC.

[image] Map detailing the names of the seamounts within the Musicians Seamounts group.

Musicians Seamounts Group

Map detailing the names of the seamounts within the Musicians Seamounts group.

[image] The best example of a hotspot producing a line of volcanic islands is the Hawaiian hotspot. This drawing, from Thurman’s Introduction to Oceanography, illustrates how the Hawaiian chain formed as the Pacific tectonic plate moved over the hotspot.

Hawaiian Hotspot

The best example of a hotspot producing a line of volcanic islands is the Hawaiian hotspot.

[image] Dr. Henry William Menard, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey from 1978 - 1981. He was credited with naming the Musicians Seamounts group in 1959.

Dr. Henry William Menard

Dr. Henry William Menard was credited with naming the Musicians Seamounts group in 1959.

[image] High-density coral community from Pioneer Bank in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

High-density coral community from Pioneer Bank in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

[image] A representation of potential physical (current and depth) and biological (reproduction, larval behavior, settlement) forces that may influence dispersal, colonization, and genetic connectivity among deep-sea coral populations.

Influencing Forces

A representation of physical and biological forces that influence dispersal, colonization, and genetic connectivity among deep-sea coral populations.

[image] A high-density coral community from Pioneer Bank in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Papahānaumokuākea

High-density coral community in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

[image] High-density coral community from Keahole Point on the Island of Hawaii in the Main Hawaiian Islands.

High-density coral community from Keahole Point on the Island of Hawaii in the Main Hawaiian Islands.

[image] Oblique view of Murray Fracture Zone with 100 nautical mile line drawn for scale.

Murray Fracture Zone

Oblique view of Murray Fracture Zone with 100 nautical mile line drawn for scale.

[image] Oblique view of focused mapping area of Musicians Seamounts with 100 nautical mile line drawn for scale.

Musicians Seamounts Fracture Zones

Oblique view of mapping area of Musicians Seamounts with 100 nautical mile line drawn for scale.