EXPRESS: West Coast Exploration (AUV and Mapping) (EX2309)

Past Expedition

Primary Goal

Increase mapping coverage off the coast of California, with a focus on waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet); test autonomous underwater vehicle operations; test camera and sensor system deployment

Dates

November 30 - December 8, 2023

Location

Pacific Ocean

Vessel

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

Primary Technology

Multibeam sonar, autonomous underwater vehicles Eagle Ray and Mola Mola, Maka Niu deep-sea camera and sensor system

Overview

From November 30 – December 8, 2023, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners conducted an expedition off the coast of California to conduct mapping operations and test technologies for exploring our ocean. During the expedition, testing of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) Eagle Ray and Mola Mola, started during the previous expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, continued in partnership with the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. The team also tested the use of the Ocean Discovery League’s modular drop camera system, Maka Niu, and deployed six weather drifters for the National Weather Service’s Ocean Prediction Center/Global Drifter Program Lagrangian Drifter Laboratory. Additionally, mapping operations were conducted during the expedition, focusing on filling bathymetric gaps in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, primarily in waters greater than 200 meters (656 feet) depth.

Low-Cost Deep-Ocean Exploration Technology and Deployment Trials

Sometimes, we can go an entire expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer without seeing a single octopus. Thankfully, this has not been the case for the 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition. In celebration, we bring to you a collection of eight videos of these charismatic animals seen throughout the expedition.

February 1, 2024