Ocean Exploration of 2026 - We Study The World

2026 Picture Feature

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and its remotely operated vehicles mapped seafloor terrain, tested technology, collected geological samples, and documented discoveries across the Pacific in 2026.

Verified Official Imagery

Every photograph below comes from a documented 2026 NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition and retains the supplied source credit.

NOAA remotely operated vehicles Deep Discoverer and Seirios during 2026 equipment testing — **Deep Discoverer and Seirios** NOAA tested the paired remotely operated vehicles before the 2026 exploration season. They can descend to 6,000 meters. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 ROV Shakedown · Official source

Deep Discoverer collecting a polymetallic nodule from the Cook Islands seafloor in 2026 — **Seafloor Sample Collection** Deep Discoverer collected a polymetallic nodule during Dive 04 of the 2026 Cook Islands exploration. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration · Official source

Fossilized beaked whale jaw resting among deep-sea nodules at 3,600 meters in 2026 — **Fossil Whale Jaw Discovery** During Dive 14, the team encountered a fossilized whale jaw approximately 3,600 meters below the Pacific surface. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration · Official source

Deep Discoverer collecting the fossil whale jaw from the Pacific seafloor in 2026 — **Recovering the Fossil** The ROV's manipulator arm carefully recovered the jaw so experts could study its age and possible species. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration · Official source

Exploring With ROVs

Remotely operated vehicles carry cameras, lights, sensors, and sampling equipment into environments that are too deep and pressurized for divers. Pilots aboard the ship control the vehicles while scientists participate through live video and telepresence.

Why Seafloor Mapping Matters

Maps and observations establish baseline knowledge about habitats, geology, and marine resources. Public expedition data helps scientists and communities make better-informed decisions about ocean research and stewardship.