Gulf of Mexico 2018

Gulf of Mexico 2018

Image and Video Gallery

This page contains photos and videos associated with the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition. Click on any image or video to view a larger version and for additional information.

Infographic summarizing accomplishments from the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Summary Infographic

Infographic summarizing accomplishments from the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Overview map showing seafloor bathymetry and ROV dives completed during the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Overview map showing seafloor bathymetry and ROV dives completed during the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Video reviewing the goals, objectives, and highlights of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Exploring the Gulf

Video reviewing the goals, objectives, and highlights of the expedition.

An overview of cold seeps, including what they are, how they form, how we find them, and their importance as habitat for a unique form of life in the deep sea.

Exploring Seepscapes

An overview of cold seeps.

Join ENS Brianna Pacheco, a junior NOAA Corps officer, and Dan Rogers, an ROV engineer with the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration, for a tour of NOAA Ship <em>Okeanos Explorer</em>.

A Tour of the Okeanos Explorer

Join ENS Brianna Pacheco and Dan Rogers for a tour of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

A bubblegum coral grows from the vertical face of a rock at 2,614 meters (~8,575 feet) depth in the De Soto Canyon region.

Bubblegum Coral

A bubblegum coral grows from the vertical face of a rock at De Soto Canyon region.

An <em>Acanella</em> bamboo coral rooted in soft sediments at 1,863 meters (6,112 feet) depth on the West Florida Escarpment.

An Acanella bamboo coral rooted in soft sediments at the West Florida Escarpment.

An <em>Acanella</em> bamboo coral collected from soft sediments reveals the base of the skeleton is modified as a rootlet (on far left). The rootlet allows the colony to be stable in the soft seafloor.

An Acanella bamboo coral collected from soft sediments.

A bamboo coral (right), attached by its holdfast to hard substrate peeking out of sediments, was observed at 2,229 meters (~7,315 feet) depth at the southern end of the West Florida Escarpment.

A bamboo coral attached by its holdfast to hard substrate peeking out of sediments.

An Umbellula sea pen at 2,790 meters (~9,155 feet) depth in Perdido Canyon.

An Umbellula sea pen at 2,790 meters depth in Perdido Canyon.

A relatively recent discovery is that some sea pens (Pennatulacea) live on hard bottoms.

A relatively recent discovery is that some sea pens live on hard bottoms.

Mission Personnel from the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition gather on the bow of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at the end of a successful mission.

Mission Personnel

Mission Personnel from the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition gather on the bow.

ROV Seirios on the aft deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

ROV Seirios on the aft deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

At the beginning of the dive, squid (Illex sp.) were common.

At the beginning of the dive, squid (Illex sp.) were common.

A hermit crab wandered on the seafloor, bumping into a slope dragonet (Centrodraco sp.) at approximately 310 meters (~1,015 feet) deep.

A hermit crab wandered on the seafloor, bumping into a slope dragonet.

This tiny sea star, less than five centimeters (less than two inches) across, could be a rare Remaster palmatus (family Korethrasteridae).

This tiny sea star could be a rare Remaster palmatus.

On a more shallow Dive 15, several squid (<em>Illex</em> sp.) were observed. Most were seen on the sediment, but others – like this individual observed at ~455 meters (~1,490 feet) – lifted off the bottom and was seen swimming. It was quite mesmerising to watch.

Dive 15: Swimming Squid Serenade

On a more shallow Dive 15, several squid (Illex sp.) were observed.

In this image from the NOAA Environmental Visualization Lab, the Loop Current in the center of the Gulf of Mexico is large and warm, while winter-chilled water draining the Mississippi River watershed envelop the bayous and bays of Louisiana.

The Loop Current in the center of the Gulf of Mexico is large and warm.

Currents are cohesive streams of seawater that circulate through the ocean.

Currents are cohesive streams of seawater that circulate through the ocean.

ROV Deep Discoverer, working in conjunction with Seirios and NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer’s dynamic positioning system, is able to get in close to the seafloor to image large rock outcrops on Dive 14 of the expedition.

Deep Discoverer

ROV Deep Discoverer is able to get in close to the seafloor to image large rock outcrops.

The Gulf of Mexico Loop Current on April 20, 2016.

The Gulf of Mexico Loop Current on April 20, 2016.

A very high density of bamboo corals and glass sponges were observed towards the end of the dive.

High-density Community

A very high density of bamboo corals and glass sponges were observed.

This glass sponge, observed at 2,280 meters (~7,480 feet), was host to many other organisms, including brittle stars, a gooseneck barnacle, an amphipod, a polychete worm, and a squat lobster.

This glass sponge was host to many other organisms.

A yellow crinoid perched on a precious coral (Corallium niobe) that was attached on a topographic high.

A yellow crinoid perched on a precious coral.

Towards the end of Dive 14, we came upon a dense bamboo coral garden at approximately 2,300 meters (~7,545 feet) deep.

Dive 14: The Gulf’s Secret Garden

We came upon a dense bamboo coral garden at approximately 2,300 meters deep.

A bathymetric map of the eastern Gulf of Mexico showing the length of the Florida Escarpment from De Soto Canyon to the Florida Keys.

Florida Escarpment

A bathymetric map of the eastern Gulf of Mexico showing the length of the Florida Escarpment.

A perspective view of the bathymetry of the Florida Escarpment.

Florida Escarpment

A perspective view of the bathymetry of the Florida Escarpment.

Florida Platform

A profile across the Florida Platform.

Image of steeply inclined exposed rock on the Florida Escarpment from Dive 11 of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Steeply inclined exposed rock on the Florida Escarpment.

Image of a dense and diverse coral community from Dive 11 of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

Coral Community

A dense and diverse coral community.

A goniasterid seastar, possibly a Circeaster sp. or Sibogaster sp., was seen feeding on a Bathypathes sp. black coral – this is the first time a sea star has ever been recorded feeding on a black coral.

This is the first time a sea star has ever been recorded feeding on a black coral.

Bubblegum corals (Paragorgia sp.) like this get their common name from their bulbous branch tips.

Bubblegum Coral

Bubblegum corals like this get their common name from their bulbous branch tips.

This jellyfish (Trachymedusae) was seen on the midwater transects at a depth of approximately 700 meters (~2,295 feet).

This jellyfish was seen on the midwater transects at a depth of approximately 700 meters.

At about 2,230 meters (~7,315 feet) during Dive 13, we observed benthic ctenophores attached to the bottom of a glass sponge.

Dive 13: Tiny Ctenophores

We observed benthic ctenophores attached to the bottom of a glass sponge.

Diva Amon discusses her experiences using telepresence technology as a scientist with NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a presentation at the Attenborough Studio in London’s Natural History Museum.

Diva Amon discusses her experiences using telepresence technology.

Alison Shean and Diva Amon chatting with LT Nikolai Pawlenko and Daniel Wagner on board on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Alison Shean and Diva Amon chatting with LT Nikolai Pawlenko and Daniel Wagner.

LT Nikolai Pawlenko and Daniel Wagner speaking live to the Attenborough Studio in London.

LT Nikolai Pawlenko and Daniel Wagner speaking live to the Attenborough Studio.

Karl McLetchie, Adam Skarke, and Michael White speaking live from Mission Control on Okeanos Explorer to the Attenborough Studio in London.

Live from Mission Control on Okeanos Explorer to the Attenborough Studio in London.

The Attenborough Studio mid-show.

The Attenborough Studio mid-show.

When water flows through pores in carbonate rock, dissolution can happen, causing these dramatic overhangs. Three different primnoid coral species are on top of this rock, which became the dominant fauna upslope.

Three different primnoid coral species are on top of this rock, which became the dominant fauna upslope.

Bright yellow parasitic zoanthids were observed encrusting a glass sponge.

Parasitic Zoanthids

Bright yellow parasitic zoanthids were observed encrusting a glass sponge.

This spiny rockfish (Trachyscorpia cristulata) has large eyes, a large head, and a tapering body. It was observed at ~435 meters (~1,425 feet) deep.

This spiny rockfish has large eyes, a large head, and a tapering body.

It looks like he’s fishing, but squat lobsters are just too slow to catch anything as agile as a fish.

Dive 12: Fishy Fumble

The squat lobster looks like he’s fishing, but squat lobsters are too slow to catch fish.

A species, which was only recently described in 2015, was known primarily from the Pacific and off the Atlantic coast of Africa. The Okeanos Explorer has now observed this species, called Sibogaster nieseni, from the Gulf of Mexico!

The Okeanos Explorer has now observed this species from the Gulf of Mexico.

Pythonaster devouring a glass sponge.

Sea Star Eating a Sponge

Pythonaster devouring a glass sponge.

Pythonaster devouring a glass sponge.

Sea Star Eating a Sponge

Pythonaster devouring a glass sponge.

Circeaster new species in the Pacific Ocean's Musicians Seamounts and now this Atlantic star – are they the same species?

Circeaster new species in the Pacific and now Atlantic – are they the same species?

Circeaster new species in the Pacific Ocean's Musicians Seamounts and now this Atlantic star – are they the same species?

Circeaster new species in the Pacific and now Atlantic – are they the same species?

A multi-armed sea star in the family Myxasteridae was observed for the first time in Hidalgo Basin, in the Gulf of Mexico.

A multi-armed sea star in the family Myxasteridae.

One of the most frequently encountered groups of sea stars around the world, and especially in the deep sea, is called the Paxillosida—more commonly known as the sand or mud stars.

One of the most frequently encountered groups of sea stars are known as the sand or mud stars.

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf drives the Fast Rescue Boat during training exercises.

Training Exercises

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf drives the Fast Rescue Boat during training exercises.

Jerrod Hozendorf, Chief Boatswain of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, reminiscing with other crew members about their U.S. Navy days.

Jerrod Hozendorf reminiscing with other crew members about their U.S. Navy days.

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf watches as ROV Deep Discoverer is deployed from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf watches as ROV Deep Discoverer is deployed from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf loads some final stores before getting underway.

Chief Boatswain Jerrod Hozendorf loads some final stores before getting underway.

Western roughy (Hoplostethus occidentalis) are a long-lived deepwater fish found all the way from Nova Scotia to Brazil.

Western roughy are a long-lived deepwater fish.

The most common species observed was Lophelia pertusa coral, seen both dead and alive.

Lophelia Coral

The most common species observed was Lophelia pertusa coral.

Siphonophores are commonly observed in the water column.

Siphonophores are commonly observed in the water column.

Much like shallow-water coral reefs, reefs in the deep sea, like those that are built by the stony coral <em>Lophelia pertusa</em>, host rich and diverse communities.

Dive 11: Age and Beauty

Much like shallow-water coral reefs, reefs in the deep sea host rich and diverse communities.

This sea star (Dytaster sp.) has pointed tube feet which allow it to move quickly on the sediment. Sea stars were common at the beginning of Dive 10.

This sea star has pointed tube feet which allow it to move quickly on the sediment.

This bamboo coral (Keratoisis sp.) was oriented perpendicular to the current, which can be advantageous to polyps in order to catch plankton.

This bamboo coral was oriented perpendicular to the current.

This tripod fish (Bathytyphlops sp.) was one of the last organisms surveyed on Dive 10.

This tripod fish was one of the last organisms surveyed on Dive 10.

This deep-sea mud star, <em>Dytaster insignis</em>, is a species which occurs in the true abyss, 2,515-3,530 meters (8,250-11,580 feet)!

Dive 10: Speed Star

This deep-sea mud star, Dytaster insignis, is a species which occurs in the true abyss, 2,515-3,530 meters!

D2 observed a small brine pool at the base of a depression during Dive 06.

D2 Over a Brine Pool

D2 observed a small brine pool at the base of a depression during Dive 06.

Brine pool observed on Dive 06. Note the surrounding mussel shells and blue staining of sediment above the pool.

Brine pool observed on Dive 06.

Panning up from the pool, D2 imaged long, blue-gray-black streaks of stained sediment on the otherwise tan-colored slope above the brine pool.

Stained Sediment

D2 imaged long, blue-gray-black streaks of stained sediment on the otherwise tan-colored slope.

A cross section of the geologic formations under the Gulf of Mexico.

A cross section of the geologic formations under the Gulf of Mexico.

The brine pool observed on Dive 06 had abundant dead mussel shells surrounding its edge as well as in the brine, suggesting that a chemosynthetic community was once present, but is now no longer active.

The brine pool had abundant dead mussel shells surrounding its edge as well as in the brine.

D2’s lights were turned off to see if this Ipnops murrayi tripod fish exhibited bioluminescence in its eyespots.

D2’s lights were turned off to see if this fish exhibited bioluminescence in its eyespots.

D2 surveys the steep slope of this section of the northern end of the Florida Escarpment.

Exploring a Steep Slope

D2 surveys the steep slope of this section of the northern end of the Florida Escarpment.

This video shows the holothurian <em>Enypniastes eximia</em> deposit feeding on the West Florida Escarpment at more than two kilometers (1.25 miles) depth.

Dive 09: Sea Cucumber Fast Food

A holothurian deposit feeding on the West Florida Escarpment.

Boston College Professor, Heather Olins (second from left), with her deep-sea biology class at the ISC at URI.

Deep-sea Biology Class

Boston College Professor, Heather Olins, with her deep-sea biology class.

A chemosynthetic community observed during Dive 07 of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition when the BC deep-sea biology students were participating in the dive from the ISC.

Chemosynthetic Community

A chemosynthetic community observed during Dive 07.

Out of over 100 proposals submitted by researchers around the world and reviewed by the science community, the BC class’s dive site submission was one selected for exploration. This was Dive 03, which targeted an unnamed ridge to a depth of 1,565 meters (5,135 feet), on Monday, April 16, 2018.

Map for Dive 03, which targeted an unnamed ridge to a depth of 1,565 meters.

Boston College students interact live with Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition coordinator, Nick Pawlenko, and science co-leads, Adam Skarke and Daniel Wagner.

Live Interaction

Boston College students interact live with Nick Pawlenko, Adam Skarke, and Daniel Wagner.

At URI’s ISC, BC students participate as members of the science team during the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

At the Inner Space Center

Students participate as members of the science team.

One of the “dancing sea cucumbers” that fascinated the BC deep-sea biology students, imaged on Dive 03 of the expedition.

One of the “dancing sea cucumbers” that fascinated the BC deep-sea biology students.

Pythonaster seastar feeding on a glass sponge.

Sea Star Feeding

Pythonaster seastar feeding on a glass sponge.

Empty shell of an Argonaut mollusk.

Empty shell of an Argonaut mollusk.

Mushroom coral (Anthomastus sp.) observed during the dive.

Mushroom coral (Anthomastus sp.) observed during the dive.

During Dive 08, we surveyed the biology and geology of a previously unexplored area of the northern end of the West Florida Escarpment in the De Soto Canyon region.

Dive 08: Bottomless Secrets

We surveyed the biology and geology of a previously unexplored area of the northern end of the West Florida Escarpment.

Crewmembers of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer on the bridge as the ship departs Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Crewmembers of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer on the bridge as the ship departs.

The inner workings of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer at sunrise.

Deep Discoverer

The inner workings of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer at sunrise.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at the dock in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for necessary repairs to the port engine.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at the dock in Pascagoula for repairs to the port engine.

Image of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in port at night.

Image of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in port at night.

Early in the dive, D2 recorded a sea butterfly (Peracle bispinosa) from a deep-living group called pseudothecosome pteropods.

D2 recorded a sea butterfly from a deep-living group called pseudothecosome pteropods.

Bird squid (Ornithoteuthis antillarum), a species of the family Ommastrephidae that is common in the Gulf of Mexico’s deep ocean.

Bird squid is a species of the family Ommastrephidae common in the Gulf of Mexico’s deep ocean.

This long, narrow, brick red squid in the family Mastigoteuthidae was observed to have a small clear spot near its eye.

This long, narrow, brick red squid was observed to have a small clear spot near its eye.

This squid had many researchers stumped.

This squid had many researchers stumped.

Gulf of Mexico sunrise from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Gulf of Mexico sunrise from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration Engineer Dan Rogers and science co-lead Daniel Wagner during a live interaction with SEA Lab in Redondo Beach.

Live Interaction

Dan Rogers and Daniel Wagner during a live interaction with SEA Lab in Redondo Beach.

Orthophoto showing the bow of the tugboat New Hope, generated using imagery collected during Dive 01 of the expedition.

Orthophoto showing the bow of the tugboat New Hope.

Orthophoto looking down (plan view) on the wreck of the New Hope tugboat.

New Hope Plan View

Orthophoto looking down (plan view) on the wreck of the New Hope tugboat.

Patches of chemosynthetic communities were occasionally observed throughout the dive, which included high densities of siboglinid tubeworms.

Chemosynthetic Communities

Patches of chemosynthetic communities were occasionally observed throughout the dive.

The sea cucumber Chiropdota heheva in a dense patch of Sclerolinum sp. siboglinid tubeworms.

The sea cucumber Chiropdota heheva in a dense patch of siboglinid tubeworms.

Commonly observed in the deep Gulf of Mexico waters, this cusk eel (Cataetyx laticeps) with large eyes was seen laying in the soft sediment.

This cusk eel with large eyes was seen laying in the soft sediment.

During the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition, we have encountered many deep-sea holothuroids (sea cucumbers) that not only swim, but rise, sink, and hover.

Dive 07: Flight of the Sea Cucumbers

We have encountered many deep-sea holothuroids that not only swim, but rise, sink, and hover.

ROV Deep Discoverer observed a small (1.2 meter diameter) brine pool at 1,067 meters (3,500 feet) depth.

Deep Discoverer observed a small brine pool at 1,067 meters depth.

Gorogonian octocoral (Paramuricea sp.) with associated squat lobster (Gastroptychus sp.) and brittle star.

Coral and Associates

Gorogonian octocoral with associated squat lobster and brittle star.

This distinctly purple octocoral (Clavularia rudis) was observed encrusting the upper end of a rock that tilted diagonally from the benthos

This distinctly purple octocoral was observed encrusting the upper end of a rock.

Video of a small brine pool and relic brine waterfall seen during Dive 06 of the expedition.

Dive 06: Waterfalls in the Deep

Video of a small brine pool and relic brine waterfall seen during Dive 06 of the expedition.

Video describing all of the planning required to successfully carry out a dive to explore near the Perdido oil rig platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dive 05: Where There's a Rig, There's a Way

Video describing all of the planning required to dive near an oil rig platform.

One of the most commonly observed organisms on Dive 05 was this sea pen.

One of the most commonly observed organisms on Dive 05 was this sea pen.

This large (over 20 centimeters from arm tip to arm tip) brittle star (Ophiomusa lymeni) is very common on soft sediments in the Gulf of Mexico.

This large brittle star is very common on soft sediments in the Gulf of Mexico.

Another common inhabitant of soft sediments, this long-legged shrimp (Nematocarcinus ensifer) was found at a depth of ~2,770 meters (~9,090 feet).

This long-legged shrimp was found at a depth of ~2,770 meters.

On Dive 01, there was what appeared to be a plastic milk or juice container that had become attached to the shipwreck.

A plastic milk or juice container attached to the shipwreck.

On Dive 02, a glass bottle was observed near the shipwreck we surveyed.

On Dive 02, a glass bottle was observed near the shipwreck we surveyed.

When we reached the bottom at nearly 1,600 meters (~5,250 feet) on Dive 03, one of the first things we observed was a plastic bag with anemones on it.

One of the first things we observed on Dive 03 was a plastic bag with anemones on it.

When this currently unidentified squid (possibly Discoteuthis sp.) was observed, it appeared to be curled in upon itself with its arms folded in what may be a defensive posture.

When this currently unidentified squid was observed, it appeared to be curled in upon itself.

This blind lobster (Acanthacaris caeca) was observed at ~675 meters (~2,215 feet).

This blind lobster was observed at ~675 meters.

A goosefish (Lophiodes beroe) was observed at ~640 meters (~2,100 feet).

A goosefish was observed at ~640 meters.

Described by our resident cephalopod expert as “probably the most bizarre squid I’ve ever seen,” we encountered this unusual squid while exploring an unnamed mound at a depth of ~850 meters (2,790 feet) during Dive 04.

Dive 04: Twisted Squid

We encountered this unusual squid while exploring an unnamed mound at a depth of ~850 meters.

Male skate (Fenestraja sp.) with attached parasitic isopod seen towards the beginning of the dive.

Male skate with attached parasitic isopod seen towards the beginning of the dive.

This sea cucumber is able to swim freely in the water column.

This sea cucumber is able to swim freely in the water column.

This dark ctenophore was observed with its tentacles fully extended at approximately 1,460 meters (~4,790 feet) deep.

This dark ctenophore was observed with its tentacles fully extended.

Beautiful imagery of a male skate (<em>Fenestraja</em> sp.) with attached parasitic isopod seen towards the beginning of Dive 03.

Dive 03: Just Skating By

Beautiful imagery of a male skate with attached parasitic isopod seen towards the beginning of Dive 03.

ROV Deep Discoverer explores the cultural heritage site during Dive 02 of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

ROV Deep Discoverer

Deep Discoverer explores the cultural heritage site during Dive 02 of the expedition.

Port side of what is believed to be the tugboat New Hope, which was sunk during Tropical Storm Debbie in September 1965.

Tugboat New Hope

Port side of what is believed to be the tugboat New Hope.

An electric light fixture was observed on the wreck surveyed during Dive 01 of the Gulf of Mexico 2018 expedition.

An electric light fixture was observed on the wreck surveyed during Dive 01 of the expedition.

An article about the U.S. Coast Guard rescue of the crew of tugboat New Hope appeared in the September 29, 1965, edition of the Times-Picayune.

An article about the U.S. Coast Guard rescue of the crew of tugboat New Hope appeared in the Times-Picayune.

Image of the captain and two crew members of tugboat New Hope in the September 29, 1965, edition of the Times-Picayune.

Image of the captain and two crew members of tugboat New Hope in the Times-Picayune.

A semi-submersible oil rig is a floating platform anchored to ocean floor with strong mooring lines that can extend many nautical miles out.

Semi-submersible Oil Rig

A semi-submersible oil rig is a floating platform anchored to ocean floor with strong mooring lines.

Bathymetric image of the semi-submersible oil rig, its mooring anchor points, its mooring chains (identified by the mapping team in the water column data), pipelines, and the marine archaeological dive target.

Bathymetric Image

Bathymetric image of the semi-submersible oil rig structure and the marine archaeological dive target.

Two Muusoctopus spp. appear to wrestle for space inside the wreck seen on Dive 02 of the expedition.

Two Muusoctopus spp. appear to wrestle for space inside the wreck seen on Dive 02.

Wave behind remotely operated vehicle Seirios. With high wind and seas, the dive was canceled today.

Wave behind remotely operated vehicle Seirios.

Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration ROV engineer, Dan Rogers, performs maintenance on Deep Discoverer’s starboard lower lightbar swingarm.

ROV Maintenance

Dan Rogers performs maintenance on Deep Discoverer’s starboard lower lightbar swingarm.

Lead Scientists, Daniel Wagner and Adam Skarke (from the left), discuss mapping with NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Mapping Lead, Mike White (center), Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration ROV Team Lead Karl McKletchie (second from right), and Expedition Coordinator, LT Nick Pawlenko (far right).

The on-ship team discusses mapping operations.

Numerous Munidopsis squat lobsters were observed on the unidentified wreck.

Squat Lobsters on Wreck

Numerous Munidopsis squat lobsters were observed on the unidentified wreck.

A Muusoctopus johnsonianus octopus was observed burying into the sediment near the survey area.

An octopus was observed burying into the sediment near the survey area.

While exploring an unidentified shipwreck during Dive 02, we encountered two octopods, Muusoctopus spp., exhibiting unusual behavior as they appeared to wrestle for den space.

Dive 02: Kraken Attack

While exploring an unidentified shipwreck, we encountered two octopods exhibiting unusual behavior.

LT Abbitt plotting a fix at the charting table on the bridge of the Okeanos Explorer.

LT Abbitt plotting a fix at the charting table on the bridge of the Okeanos Explorer.

LT Abbitt behind a beautiful crop of Dendrogyra cylindrus (pillar coral) at Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area, six miles south of Key West.

Diving with Coral

LT Abbitt behind a beautiful crop of pillar coral at Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area.

LT Abbitt conducting photogrammetry on the historic shipwreck site, City of Washington, in Key Largo, Florida.

Shipwreck Diving

LT Abbitt conducting photogrammetry on the historic shipwreck site, City of Washington.

LT Abbitt conning NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer for outbound transit from Singing River Island, Pascagoula, Mississippi, with her new Commanding Officer and Executive Officer.

Outbound Transit

LT Abbitt conning NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer for outbound transit.

LT Abbitt and her boyfriend, Captain Patrick Vandenabeele, at Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas National Park.

At Fort Jefferson

LT Abbitt and her boyfriend at the Dry Tortugas National Park.

LT Abbitt with her parents and Captain Patrick Vandenabeele during her permanent change of station on her way to meet NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to begin her Ops sea tour.

LT Abbitt with family on her way to meet NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

LT Abbitt recording data during a monitoring event at the Diego grounding site in the Dry Tortugas.

LT Abbitt recording data at the Diego grounding site in the Dry Tortugas.

LT Abbitt free diving to 20 feet to check out some fish and coral at Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area.

LT Abbitt free diving to 20 feet at Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area.

LT Abbitt posing for a picture while snorkeling in Key West.

LT Abbitt posing for a picture while snorkeling in Key West.

This unidentified wreck was first discovered by industry mapping surveys. It appeared to be a portion of a wooden vessel with a few metal items inside.

This unidentified wreck was first discovered by industry mapping surveys.

Bow and view into the hull of what is believed to be the wreck of the tugboat New Hope.

Bow and view into the hull of what is believed to be the wreck of the tugboat New Hope.

A red crab (Chaceon quinquedens), which is a commercially fished species, on a bollard amidships on the port side of the wreck.

Red Crab and Shipwreck

A red crab on a bollard amidships on the port side of the wreck.

Looming out of the gloom in the deep water of the Gulf of Mexico, the tug <em>New Hope</em> appears as a long forgotten crumbling relic.

Dive 01: Photo"bomb"etry

Looming out of the gloom, the tug New Hope appears as a long forgotten crumbling relic.

LT Nick Pawlenko, the Gulf of Mexico 1803 Expedition Coordinator, hard at work in the control room aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

LT Nick Pawlenko hard at work in the control room.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in the Gulf of Mexico.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in the Gulf of Mexico.

ROV Deep Discoverer in the Gulf of Mexico.

ROV Deep Discoverer

ROV Deep Discoverer in the Gulf of Mexico.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at port in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer at port in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

During the seventh dive of the Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, Deep Discoverer explored an unknown shipwreck identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management simply as “ID Number 15377.”

During the Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, Deep Discoverer explored an unknown shipwreck.

Map of the general expedition operating area. The white polygon denotes the Gulf of Mexico 2017/2018 expeditions operating area for the Okeanos Explorer.

Map of the general expedition operating area.

An aggregation of ice worms inhabiting methane hydrate. These worms eat chemoautotrophic bacteria using chemicals in the hydrate.

An aggregation of ice worms inhabiting methane hydrate.

An aggregation of Lamellibrachia sp. tubeworms providing habitat for many smaller animals such as the small white anemones covering the tubeworm tubes and the shrimp Alvinocaris muricola.

An aggregation of tubeworms providing habitat for many smaller animals.

Bathymodiolus mussels (both dead and alive) are seen underneath a carbonate overhang.

Chemosynthetic Mussels

Bathymodiolus mussels are seen underneath a carbonate overhang.

Orange fly-trap anemone on Lophelia pertusa coral reef at Viosca Knoll near 500 meters (1,640 feet) depth.

Orange fly-trap anemone on Lophelia pertusa coral reef at Viosca Knoll.

A field of sea fans (Callogorgia sp.) with brittle stars (Asteroschema sp.).

Sea Fans and Brittle Stars

A field of sea fans with brittle stars.

Madrepora oculata colony and with several deep-sea red crab Chaceon quinquedens.

Madrepora oculata colony and with several deep-sea red crab.

A rare instance of deep-sea predation captured on camera, a sea urchin munches on a Plumarella octocoral.

Deep-sea Predation

A rare instance of deep-sea predation captured on camera, a sea urchin munches on an octocoral.

The deepwater environment of the Florida Escarpment proved to be a good habitat for diverse deepwater coral communities.

The Florida Escarpment provided good habitat for diverse deepwater coral communities.

Cannon recovered by archaeologists from an early 19th century shipwreck in 4,000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cannon recovered by archaeologists from an early 19th century shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico.

The bow of a ship discovered by Okeanos Explorer in 2012 believed to be a privateer.

The bow of a ship discovered by Okeanos Explorer in 2012 believed to be a privateer.

View inside the conning tower of the German U-boat U-166.

View inside the conning tower of the German U-boat U-166.

A natural extrusion of tar on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.

A natural extrusion of tar on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.

A dense aggregation of the deep-sea coral Lophelia pertusa at 500 meters (1,640 feet) depth in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Lophelia Coral

A dense aggregation of the deep-sea coral Lophelia pertusa in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Schematic showing different management categories of fishery resources.

Fishery Management Categories

Schematic showing different management categories of fishery resources.

Photograph of deep-sea coral and a squat lobster on the West Florida Shelf in an area currently being considered for designation as a habitat area of particular concern by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Coral and Squat Lobster

Deep-sea coral and a squat lobster on the West Florida Shelf.

Iridigorgia soft coral with squat lobsters in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Iridigorgia soft coral with squat lobsters in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Euplectella aspergillum glass sponge in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Euplectella aspergillum glass sponge in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Mohawk remotely operated vehicle holding a black coral collected in newly explored areas at Elvers Bank in September 2017.

Black Coral Sample

Mohawk ROV holding a black coral collected in newly explored areas at Elvers Bank.

A sample of a potentially new species of black coral (Distichopathes sp.) found in newly explored areas at Elvers Bank. Additional discoveries are possible as we continue to explore new areas.

Black Coral Sample

A sample of a potentially new species of black coral found in newly explored areas at Elvers Bank.

Map showing the geographic regions in which the Southeast Deep Coral Initiative (SEDCI) will operate in 2016-2019.

Map showing the geographic regions in which SEDCI will operate in 2016-2019.

A dense community of black corals, octocorals, and crinoids at 122 meters (400 feet) depth on Elvers Bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Coral Community

A dense community of black corals, octocorals, and crinoids on Elvers Bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Thorny tinselfish, Grammicolepis brachiusculus, swimming above a dense aggregation of Lophelia pertusa and the squat lobster Eumunida picta at 496 meters (1,627 meters) on the West Florida Slope.

Thorny Tinselfish

Thorny tinselfish swimming above a dense aggregation of Lophelia pertusa and a squat lobster on the West Florida Slope.

Diagram of continental drift over the past 225 million years. The red square indicates the position of the early Gulf of Mexico basin after Pangea broke apart into Laurasia and Gondwana.

Continental Drift

Diagram of continental drift over the past 225 million years.

Bathymetric map of the northern Gulf of Mexico with the location of the Sigsbee Escarpment, West Florida Escarpment, Mississippi Canyon, and salt domes indicated.

Map of Gulf of Mexico

Bathymetric map of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Oblique projection of northern Gulf of Mexico bathymetry including salt domes and Mississippi Canyon.

Gulf of Mexico Bathmetry

Oblique projection of northern Gulf of Mexico bathymetry including salt domes and Mississippi Canyon.

Oblique projection of the West Florida Escarpment.

Gulf of Mexico Bathmetry

Oblique projection of the West Florida Escarpment.