The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it will lead an expedition to map, explore and characterize the deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer.
The expedition will sail aboard NOAA’s research vessel Okeanos Explorer and is set to last for 28 days. The work is a collaboration between NOAA and the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.
The expedition will combine several exploration techniques, including remotely operated vehicles, advanced mapping systems and in situ sensors to investigate abyssal plains and the Manihiki Plateau.
While the mission will take place in July and August, ROV dives and live shipboard science will be streamed in real time, allowing shore-based researchers and the public to view deep-sea video and hear expert commentary as discoveries unfold.
In addition, all data and samples gathered during the cruise will be made publicly available and shared with the Cook Islands government to support local stewardship and resource management.
According to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs:
“This expedition is a major step toward strengthening our strategic partnerships in the Pacific. NOAA is proud to contribute our world-class science and research to understand deep-sea resources, which will directly contribute to the economic growth of the United States and our partners, and will set the standard for responsible critical mineral management across the globe.”
