Sanctuaries Live Archive

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries works with partners to expand our understanding of sanctuaries through deep-water exploration and research. As we learn more about the mysteries of the deep, we can better protect our vital ocean.

2022 Expeditions

map showing the locations of the 2021 E/V Nautilus field season: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, west coast of canada, cascadia margin, west coast eez mapping, california, papahanaumokuakea marine national monument and the hawaiian islands

Ocean Exploration Trust

This spring and fall, Ocean Exploration Trust will explore the marine ecosystems in and around Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaiʻi.

2021 Expeditions

map showing the locations of the 2021 E/V Nautilus field season: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, west coast of canada, cascadia margin, west coast eez mapping, california, papahanaumokuakea marine national monument and the hawaiian islands

Ocean Exploration Trust

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Ocean Exploration Trust to explore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 2021.

2020 Expeditions

An ROV explores a shipwreck

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

This summer, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to explore Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Archeological and biological assessments will be conducted while working aboard the vessel Dawn Treader and Research Vessel (R/V) Connecticut.

Nautilus Live map highlighting the spots the vessle will visit in 2020

Ocean Exploration Trust

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Ocean Exploration Trust to explore the marine ecosystems of the West Coast Region. Working aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, scientists will map and explore sanctuary sites along the Washington and California coasts.

2019 Expeditions

coral spawning

Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration

This summer, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (GFOE) to explore Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The Research Vessel (R/V) Manta will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to support mesophotic coral reef exploration.

nautilus control room

Ocean Exploration Trust

This spring, summer, and fall, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Ocean Exploration Trust to explore the marine ecosystems of the West Coast and Pacific Islands Regions. Working aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, scientists will map and explore sanctuary sites along the California coast and west to National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa in the South Pacific.

The RV Connecticut

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

This summer, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to explore Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Archeological and biological assessments will be conducted while working aboard the vessel Dawn Treader and Research Vessel (R/V) Connecticut.

Partner Expeditions

Many of our partners are also conducting exploration and research in national marine sanctuaries. Visit their pages for more information and ways to connect.