These are challenging times. There is significant uncertainty for our colleagues at NOAA, across the federal science enterprise, and for ourselves that contribute to unease and concern. In times like these, it is so important that we give each other grace and patience and help remind each other of the importance of our work. So let me remind you…we explore the ocean to inspire the next generation of scientists, advance technology, build capacity, and make discoveries to benefit the health, wealth, and security of our nation and beyond. The progress of the OECI reflects the collaborative contributions of academic, philanthropic, commercial, and federal partners. Our shared goals along with our unique experience, expertise, and capacities have and will continue to push forward our ability to explore and create new knowledge of the deep sea. No matter how large or small your contribution to this effort, no matter who you work for, where you live, or what scientific domain excites you, you are a valued member of this community and can claim OECI successes as your own. Thank you for your commitment to exploration and discovery.

Deepest Regards,

Adam

OECI's Annual Meeting with NOAA Ocean Exploration

In January, OECI PI’s from each affiliate institution traveled to Silver Spring, MD, for a meeting with NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Leadership Team and support staff. This annual meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the previous year’s successes, ensure priorities are aligned, and chart the course for the coming years. NOAA’s mission is the driving force behind all conversation and collaborations. The OECI is dedicated to helping NOAA achieve their mission through our cooperation.

Each OECI coPI tackled a mission area: industry partnerships (Larry Mayer, UNH), technology innovation for ocean exploration (Anna Michel, WHOI), workforce development, education and engagement (Leila Hamdan, USM), ocean exploration data and science (Adam Soule, URI), and operations for ocean exploration (Allison Fundis, OET). These mission areas directly align with the NOAA Ocean Exploration Strategic Plan for 2023 - 2027, as well as the NOMEC strategy. Insights from these discussions will be used to shape OECI objectives and projects for the next five years! 

Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Great Lakes National Marine Sanctuaries

The OECI has partnered with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) for three upcoming projects this year, two of which are based in the Great Lakes region. These projects will focus on underwater cultural heritage (i.e., shipwrecks) in Lake Ontario and baseline bathymetric mapping in Lake Erie. Project details are outlined below. Information on the third ONMS project will be shared in an upcoming newsletter.



Lake Ontario

The Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary (LONMS) is one of the newest sanctuaries. LONMS officially became the 16th National Marine Sanctuary in September 2024. This designation was a community-led effort by four counties in the Great Lakes region of New York and the city of Oswego, New York. 

The LONMS has a rich history submerged below the lake’s surface. Local explorers have worked to catalog many shipwrecks within the lake, however, the data remains private. NOAA ONMS and the OECI aim to collect new, high resolution data that will be made available to the public and used as baseline information to protect the shipwreck heritage sites. 

The fourteen-day, telepresence-enabled expedition will use a small ROV (HD3) custom made by JM Robotics for this project. The HD3 will be equipped with a VOYIS Discovery Stereo Camera, and the imagery collected with this camera will be used to construct 3D models of each wreck using photogrammetry. Due to the compact nature of the HD3 and its ability to move with six degrees of freedom, the ROV will be able to maneuver in tight spots, which will allow the team to create the most complete 3D models possible. 

The outreach team is currently planning community ship visits, live ship-to-shore interactions with local schools, and live ROV dives. Information on how to tune in for these events will be distributed prior to the expedition. 

Map of eastern Lake Ontario showing Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary's boundaries, which encompasses 1,722 square miles - map from NOAA ONMS.

Lake Erie

The Lake Erie project will focus on baseline mapping for potential underwater cultural heritage sites within the proposed sanctuary. An uncrewed vehicle system will be used to map and identify potential shipwreck locations within the proposed sanctuary portion of Lake Erie. This project will provide ample training opportunities for graduate students that do not have previous exposure to uncrewed systems operations by introducing them to vehicle piloting, mission planning, live troubleshooting, and systems monitoring. 

There are two potential vehicle systems that could be used for this project - DriX or BEN, both autonomous surface vehicles operated by UNH. DriX would potentially be equipped with Flipix (side-scan sonar tethered to DriX) or a newer technology, SAMS150 synthetic aperture sonar. The project is still in its early planning stages, so stay tuned for information!

NOAA Ocean Exploration 2024 Annual Report

Please check out NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Annual Report for an overview of 2024 activities.

The annual report can be viewed here.

2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Call for Input: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

As part of our community-driven exploration model, NOAA Ocean Exploration invites you to submit exploration recommendations for mapping and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

In 2025, Okeanos Explorer’s schedule will feature a telepresence-enabled ROV expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Preferred due date for exploration recommendations: March 15th, 2025.

These expeditions will contribute to the Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific campaign. This multiyear, multiplatform collaborative regional campaign focuses on raising collective knowledge and understanding of waters in the Pacific Islands, which have been identified as a priority for exploration and characterization. By responding to this call for input with mapping requests and dive target areas for NOAA Ocean Exploration to consider in the design of upcoming expeditions, you may be able to contribute to the campaign and advance your own scientific interests.

Please provide your recommendations through NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Survey call for input form. For help developing and submitting your recommendations, review the instructions for using Survey123 as well as Okeanos Explorer's operational capabilities (pdf, 8.11 MB).

If your request contains sensitive underwater cultural heritage data or information, please email it directly to archaeology.oceanexploration@noaa.gov 

Please note that submission does not guarantee that NOAA Ocean Exploration will be able to act on your recommendations. Recommendations will be distributed across the expedition schedule and will be refined during collaborative planning conference calls.

NOAA Ocean Exploration encourages anyone who submits recommendations to join expeditions of interest as a member of the shore-based science team.

If you need help with your submission, contact Trish Albano, Expedition Manager, at trish.albano@noaa.gov. If you wish to further discuss science interests, contact NOAA Ocean Exploration's Science Advisor for the campaign, Brian Kennedy, at brian@deepsubmergence.com. To learn more about what was accomplished during NOAA Ocean Exploration's 2024 expeditions, please see the attached summary.

MTS Summer Workshops

The 2025 MTS Summer Workshops include Rutgers University, Northwestern Michigan College, and University of Washington, who are once again offering Summer Workshop programs tailored for undergraduate students. For more info on the workshops and workshop scholarships, see the links below:

To Apply: Complete the MTS Summer Workshop Scholarship Application. 

All applicants are required to submit a recommendation letter to apply for the scholarship. 

Deadline to Submit Application: Friday, March 28, 2025.

Save the Date for the 2026 Underwater Glider User Group Workshop

The Underwater Glider User Group Workshop will take place May 18-20, 2026, at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, FL. More details coming soon.