Mysteries of the Deep
Though our planet is mostly ocean, we still know little about what lies far beneath the surface. Approximately 95% of the ocean remains unexplored, much of it in the deep sea. Even your national marine sanctuaries contain areas that have still not been seen by humans. NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries works with our partners to expand our understanding of sanctuaries through deep-water exploration and research. In 2019, we explored deep areas of Flower Garden Banks, Stellwagen Bank, Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, American Samoa, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries – and streamed it live to viewers at home. Check out the expeditions at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/live.
Crab, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: OET/NOAA
Black coral, near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: GFOE/NOAA
Crew pulling in ROV on R/V Manta, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Olivia Williamson
Sunset on E/V Nautilus, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Claire Fackler/NOAA
Octopus garden, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: OET/NOAA
Marbled grouper, near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: GFOE/NOAA