NOAA and Partners to Conduct Expeditions for Deep-Sea Mapping in American Samoa
- Published
- Source
- ROVplanet.com
NOAA Ocean Exploration, alongside its partners, is set to conduct two significant expeditions in the waters surrounding American Samoa during the summer and fall of 2026. These expeditions aim to map and characterize the deep seafloor in a region prioritized for offshore critical mineral exploration, generating publicly available data to enhance understanding of mineral potential and support decision-making.
The importance of these expeditions lies in their potential to uncover unknown marine habitats and mineral resources vital for national prosperity and security. NOAA's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Erik Noble emphasized the commitment to providing scientific research that supports commerce, while Captain William Mowitt highlighted the need for authoritative science to guide responsible marine resource management.
The first expedition will occur from August to September 2026, followed by a second from late September to October 2026, utilizing advanced mapping technology and observational sensors aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Real-time ROV operations will be streamed online, allowing public engagement and transparency in the exploration process. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
NOAA and Partners to Explore, Map Deep Waters of American Samoa
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