2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping)

(EX2308)

Expedition Overview

From October 21 to November 10, 2023, NOAA Ocean Exploration will lead an expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer off central California and in and around the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The primary goals of the expedition are to test autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations and learn more about the biology and geology of the proposed sanctuary.

To speed up the pace of ocean exploration, NOAA Ocean Exploration is committed to technological innovation and expansion of our own capacity to explore. In partnership with the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), we will test two AUVs during this expedition. This test will serve three purposes: it will help us understand how such vehicles might be incorporated into and augment standard operations on Okeanos Explorer, it will enable us to collect baseline data to support priority science and management needs in an area of national importance, and it will inform site selection for dives with remotely operated vehicles for future expeditions.

The two AUVs, Eagle Ray and Mola Mola, are owned and operated by the University of Southern Mississippi (an OECI affiliate) and have been recently updated with state-of-the-art mapping and imaging technologies. The duo will be used to explore seamounts, canyons, and other seafloor features.

  • Eagle Ray, a traditional mapping AUV, is equipped with a multibeam sonar and sub-bottom profiler to collect high-resolution seafloor and water column mapping data.
  • Mola Mola, a photo survey AUV, is equipped with powerful cameras and a laser to capture seafloor imagery and complementary mapping data.

NOAA Ocean Exploration is also working with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and local tribal members to identify targets for exploration, educate local tribal communities about deep-ocean exploration, and promote the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

In proposing this designation, NOAA recognizes and celebrates Indigenous peoples' modern day and historical cultural connections to the place and plans to actively involve tribes and Indigenous communities in collaborative management, inclusive of their values, knowledge, and traditions. The sanctuary designation would also conserve the area's rich biodiversity and create new opportunities for research and economic development, including recreation and tourism.

This deepwater bubblegum coral, a host for California king crab, was observed during the 2020 Exploration Vessel <i>Nautilus</i> exploration of the Santa Lucia Bank, which lies within the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Corals and sponges that make up the area's seafloor habitats provide food and shelter for recreationally and commercially important fish species.
This deepwater bubblegum coral, a host for California king crab, was observed during the 2020 Exploration Vessel Nautilus exploration of the Santa Lucia Bank, which lies within the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Corals and sponges that make up the area's seafloor habitats provide food and shelter for recreationally and commercially important fish species. Image courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust, NOAA. Download largest version (jpg, 6.04 MB).

We are conducting this expedition from a place of respect for and recognition of the Indigenous peoples of California and their connection to and knowledge of the ocean, fish, birds, and other wildlife that sustain their livelihood, traditions, and communities. And, we are excited to be hosting two members of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation aboard Okeanos Explorer during this expedition.

As we travel through tribal territories along California’s coast through October 26, join us at 3 p.m. PT on Camera 3 on our livestreams page as we acknowledge and honor the traditional stewards of these waters.

This map shows the planned operating area for the 2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping) expedition as well as the boundaries of the existing national marine sanctuaries.
This map shows the planned operating area for the 2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping) expedition as well as the boundaries of the existing national marine sanctuaries. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2023 EXPRESS: Exploration of Central California Coast (AUV and Mapping). Download largest version (jpg, 1.77 MB).