Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping

During the expedition, the on-ship team will also support partner projects, including the collection of sun photometer measurements in partnership with NASA and the collection of acoustic observations of bats offshore in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Additionally, in support of NOAA Ocean Exploration’s goal of training the next generation of ocean explorers, several explorers-in-training will participate in the expeditions, focusing on assisting in the collection and processing of sonar data and science communication.

During the expeditions, NOAA will host Native Hawaiian cultural liaisons who will share and lead protocols and cultural practices while working in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This important role highlights the value of Indigenous knowledge and practices as an important part of building a holistic understanding of the biocultural oceanscape of the marine monument.

All data collected during the expeditions in Papahānaumokuākea will contribute to Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific, a multiyear, collaborative science and research campaign aimed at bringing together partners to raise collective knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of waters in the Pacific Islands region through coastal and ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization.