NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
The control room on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during a remotely operated vehicle dive.
Status: 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration
From August 20 to September 17, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners will conduct the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to explore deep waters in and around American Samoa. This expedition will include remotely operated vehicle dives to explore the seafloor and water column, overnight mapping operations, and continuous shore-side participation via telepresence technology.
Throughout the expedition, video will be streamed online in real time from approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. SST / 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. EDT, August 23-September 12 (subject to change). During dives, we expect to explore abyssal seafloor features, deep-sea coral and sponge habitats, seamounts, marine critical minerals, and the water column of American Samoa.