OFFICE OF

PLORATION

AL REPORT
Letter from Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere & NOAA Administrator 3

Acknowledgments

4

Introduction 5

The Mission 7Summary of Accomplishments 8

Expeditions and Projects 11

Expeditions:

Exploration at Davidson Seamount 14Returning to the Galápagos Rift: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the 

Discovery of Life at Hydrothermal Vents 16

Exploring Alaska’s Seamounts 18The Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition to Explorer Ridge 20Discovery in America’s Sea: The 2002 Mission to the Gulf of Mexico 22Exploring Life on Deep Reefs: Discovery in the South Atlantic Bight 24The Hidden Ocean: Exploration Under the Ice of the North American Arctic 26Hudson Canyon 2002 28Mapping and Exploration in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 30

Projects:

The Aquanauts Program 32The Aquarius Project 32Black SeaBottom Trawling Research and Reconnaissance Surveying in Bristol Bay 32Census of Marine Life: Biodiversity of Bear Seamount 32Census of Marine Life: Discovering Long Distance Migrations and Deep Diving 

Behavior for Large Pelagics in the Central Pacific 32

Continuing the Lewis and Clark Legacy 32Hunley 32The Link Project 32Mapping the Puerto Rico Trench 32MATE 32Normandy 32Northwest Gulf of Mexico High Resolution Mapping 32SIRENA 32Thunder Bay 32USS Monitor 32

Outreach 32Photo Credits 32

SECTION TITLE GOES HERE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to the new era of exploration. 

When most of us think of explorers, we envision historical figures from the Age of Sail to the “wild west.” Notables like Ferdinand Magellan, Sir Francis Drake, Lewis and Clark, and others expanded our understanding of, and appreciation for, our planet. We mark human achievement with milestones inexploration: the date we landed on the moon; Columbus’s discovery of the newworld, and Charles Lindberg’s Atlantic crossing. And while we celebrate the

tremendous achievements gained through historical exploration, we realize that the greatest age ofexploration has just begun: The exploration of Earth’s oceans. A little over two years ago a panel of leading ocean scientists, explorers, and educators developed anational strategy for ocean exploration. Their report, “Discovering Earth’s Final Frontier: A U.S.Strategy for Ocean Exploration”, opened the door to a new way of thinking about ocean explorationand inspired NOAA to embark on a mission to expand knowledge and appreciation of the oceansaround us. Since the publication of their report, NOAA and partner organizations and institutionshave made significant progress in exploring vast unknown ocean regions.Having finished our second field season, I am proud to present the 2002 Annual Report for NOAA’sOffice of Ocean Exploration. Expeditions and projects undertaken this year built on our inauguralwork in 2001 and set a precedent of high quality discovery based ocean research. Results from thisyear’s work include new maps of previously unknown ocean areas, the discovery of new marinespecies, and volumes of new data for scientists, natural resource managers and decision makers. Thisyear, we have seen the discovery of important shipwrecks, the creation of new research partnerships,and the development of new tools for educators so that explorers of all ages can join us in ourdiscoveries.

Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.)Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator

3

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

MESSAGE FROM UNDERSECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR

OCEANS AND ATMOSPHERE AND NOAA ADMINISTRATOR
INTRODUCTION

5

ram, Naval Sea Systems

NOAA Ocean Service, NOAA

mospheric Research, NOAA

al Laboratory, North Carolina

es, North Carolina National

North Carolina State Museum

h Pacific Fisheries Observer

Grumman Newport News,

ence and Technology, Ocean

ant, Oregon State University,

y, Phoenix International Inc.,

land State University, Rutgers

of Oceanography, China, Sci

ithsonian Institution, South

Natural Resources, Stanford

Aquarium, Texas A & M

tional Marine Sanctuary, U.S.

Academy, U.S. Navy, U.S.

ity of Alaska at Anchorage,

anks, University of California

 California at Santa Cruz,

at Avery Point, University of

orgia, University of Hawaii,

rsity of Maine, University of

nesota, University of Missouri,

 at Wilmington, University of

ec at Montreal, University of

 Azores, University of Toronto,

rsity of Virginia, University of

 Wisconsin at Green Bay,

rsity, Western Washington

ods Hole Oceanographic

PLORATION

 THANK THE FOLLOWING

LD SEASON.
In August 2000, the Secretary of Commerce convened a U.S. panel of leading ocean scientists, explorers, and educators to create a

National Strategy for Ocean Exploration. Theirreport, Discovering Earth’s Final Frontier: AU.S. Strategy for Ocean Exploration,(http://oceanpanel.nos.noaa.gov/panelreport/ocean_panel_report.html) represents the first comprehensivenational plan for ocean exploration. In its finalrecommendations, the panel called for a new OceanExploration Program driven by the quest fordiscovery and the spirit of challenge. The result wasthe creation of a National Ocean ExplorationProgram to be lead by the nation’s ocean agency, theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA). As a principal component of the national strategycontained in the panel’s report, NOAA’s Office ofOcean Exploration (OE) seeks to bring the best of thenation’s scientists to the leading edges of oceanscience and technology to (1) discover more aboutlife and processes within the oceans, (2) learn moreabout maritime cultural resources and heritage, (3)provide a knowledge base that will help enable wiseuse of the ocean’s biological and mineral resourcesand (4) share new knowledge across a broad, multidisciplinary user community. Additionally, OE iscommitted to developing the new tools andtechniques for exploration and forsharing discoveries in near-realtime ways.

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION

OE accomplishes many of these objectives throughinterdisciplinary expeditions to unknown, or poorlyknown, regions and through innovative experiments.The Program advocates discovery-based science andcollaboration between multiple partners anddisciplines. Education and outreach are priorities ofNOAA’s OE Program. NOAA funded pioneering ocean exploration projectsin 2002. Exploration projects are peer-reviewed withan approximate 75% of 2002 funds going to nonNOAA investigators. These projects and expeditionsbrought ocean scientists, outreach specialists andeducators together to pursue exploration in theArctic, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Bering andBlack Sea, the English Channel, the Great Lakes andthe Gulf of Mexico. These expeditions broughtNOAA to the ocean frontier while sharing theexperience with millions of explorers across theNation.This report details NOAA’s Office of OceanExploration accomplishments for 2002 and describeseach major expedition and project undertakenduring the program’s second year. 

THE MISSION
UNDERSTANDING OCEAN INTERACTIONS

Documentation of ocean areas begins with descriptions of physical features of an oceanregion, and then adds a variety of other environmental data to render a more complete picture ofocean ecosystems. After an initial account of thephysical parameters of an area, the next step is tocomprehend how the physical environment and itsbiological components fit together and relate to oneanother. Understanding an area’s dynamic interactions is a vital component of exploration activities.Through discovery and observation of oceanorganisms in the ocean systems they are a part of,ocean exploration is providing a new understandingof complex biological interactions and giving NOAAnew baselines for understanding ocean ecosystems.Advances in biological science have occurred thisyear. New marine species were discovered and theknown habitat range of others has been extended.OE and its partners collected species from diverseocean habitats, ranging from deep ocean vents to iceflows. Preliminary results indicate that several newmarine organisms have been discovered, and many

9

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION

species, that were collected or documented,remain unidentified. Part of the species identification activity done inOther important ocean interaction breakthroughs in 2002 include the discovery ofnew hydrothermal vents and the discoverythat other vents have disappeared. While weare still far from attaining a comprehensiveunderstanding of hydrothermal vent ecology,huge steps were made this year in our understanding of how geologic ocean conditionsregulate deep ocean life.A core ethic of NOAA Ocean Explorationprogram is data sharing. Giving access to OEdata, sometimes in near real-time, to thebroadest reaches of the ocean exploration andscience community enriches all of science.This year, together with The Institute forGenomic Research, a collection of curated

databases from organisms collected during OEmissions, that includes DNA and protein sequence,gene expression, cellular role, protein family, andtaxonomic data is now available. This data isprovided to researchers as part of the ComprehensiveMicrobial Resource, a tool that allows researches toaccess all the bacterial genome sequencescompleted to date. 

DEVELOPING NEW SENSORS AND TOOLS

Bringing science to ocean frontiers is one of OE’s fundamental challenges. This year, OE loggedmore than 400 days at sea aboard many differentresearch vessels. These ships ranged from 14-footpatrol boats to 274-foot Class I ocean researchvessels. In addition, OE logged almost 1,000 hoursunderwater (over five weeks) in submersibles,Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), AutonomousUnderwater Vehicles (AUV) and SCUBA diving.Pushing the limits of existing technology andexpanding the application of current tools putsNOAA on the leading edge of ocean technology.This year, new imaging systems were developed and

IN NEW WAYS

ct of exploration is new and 

ps. These maps differ from

haracterizing ocean regions and

 the physical environment. OE’s

llect data representing multiple

ean environment including

ogy, geology, chemistry,

en historic resources. 

000 square nautical miles were

resolution tools (an area almost

olina). These maps provide new

 regions and features. This

ve as the foundation for new

exploration. Given the critical

maps of the ocean for ocean

management, OE places a high

ping endeavors.

PLORATION

S
EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

11

rs include an entire issue of the

cators Association’s professional

e Journal of Marine Education”

an exploration, professional

unities for educators, and the

ational Education Workshop to

exploration education activities.

vities included eight regional

orkshops to collect information

ion needs and priorities and to

ps. NOAA also partnered with

rs including the Girl Scouts of

onian Associates, the National

and many others to improve and

orts. 

d Ocean Exploration port events

n South Carolina, New York City,

 These port events gave the

 number of school groups, a

ships and technology used for

 with expedition science teams. 

PLORATION
In collaboration with over 100 partners including universities, international, federal, state and tribal science agencies, private research and outreach

organizations, civic groups, aquariums and museums,NOAA is expanding knowledge about our oceans. In2002, NOAA engaged in nine major expeditions andsixteen projects around the world. This map highlightsseveral NOAA missions from the 2002 field season. Thefollowing pages detail major expeditions to the Arctic, theGalapagos Rift, the Explorer Ridge, Hudson Canyon, theGulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Alaska, Davidson Seamount,the South Atlantic Bight, and the Northwestern HawaiianIslands.Project descriptions articulate NOAA activities in oceanexploration smaller in scope than major expeditions, orwhere the NOAA Ocean Exploration component of work,accomplished in partnership with others, consisted of asmall portion of the total effort.

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS 13

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS
rapid and detailed observations of benthic invertebrates, bottom fishes, and their habitats. The environments explored during this expedition are difficult

to sample with traditional techniques such as bottomtrawls and grabs. Comprehensive assessments andcomplete identification of fast moving or smallanimals from ROV videos were difficult, and in somecases, impossible. Since visual surveys may missorganisms that are cryptically colored, occupyinghidden microhabitats, or avoiding camera andlighting systems, surveys were complemented withbaited traps to identify those fishes and invertebratesthat are attracted to bait but are not often seen by theROV. Video collected during the expedition isexpanding on MBARI’s previous video surveys ofbottom communities in the region. The unusual marine environment on DavidsonSeamount includes volcanic rocks. When thisundersea volcano erupted, its lavas were highlyviscous (thick and pasty) and formed short, thickflows and steep-sided knobby structures athydrothermal vents. The high viscosity of these lavasalso likely inhibited the loss of gas bubbles, makingthe eruptions more explosive. When the seamountwas being formed, erupting lavas contained coarselycrystallized fragments and rare rocks from deepinside the earth’s mantle.

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

A potentially new species was found and four rarespecies of fish were sighted on the seamount.More than 100 rock and 24 core samples were takenduring the expedition and are giving scientists a newunderstanding of the geologic processes that formseamounts. Sperm whales were sighted at theseamount during the expedition, and the expeditionteam unsuccessfully attempted to take a tissuesample from a sperm whale using a special dart tocollect genetic material to better understand broaderpopulation patterns among these marine mammals.As the Monterey Bay National Marine SanctuaryManagement Plan is being reviewed, one option is toinclude the Davidson Seamount within itsboundaries. Resource managers and decision makersare using the findings from this expedition to helpaddress the conservation and protection measures ofthe management plan. 

e. Tiburon was equipped with

ection, high definition imaging

environment, and sensors to

tal parameters. 

dson Seamount Expedition was

racterize the geological and

 the seamount and surrounding

tists documented new and rare

samples, and described the

ronment. 

 Davidson Seamount is young,

ted it’s 12 millionth birthday.

Davidson Seamount is host to

gical

ding

es of

orests

over

withonly

three

Rare

 black-footed albatross and the

ngered sperm whales have been

unt.

odiversity of seamounts was

t Davidson. Assemblages of fish

re surveyed by Tiburon through

 transect. This survey allowed

PLORATION
Throughout the expedition, a synergistic array of

deep-ocean vehicles was used to collect data. Alvinand a new digital towed camera made seafloorobservations, acquired digital imagery, and collectedsamples. The autonomous vehicle ABE (AutonomousBenthic Explorer) acquired meter-scale bathymetry,near-bottom magnetics, and bottom water propertiesin search of new active hydrothermal vents. Finally,water column profiles were taken using aCTD/rosette to explore for temperature plumes. Atotal of nine Alvin dives, seven ABE dives, fivecamera tows and six CTD casts were conducted.As a primary tool for exploration in the area, and aproduct for future exploration and science, a newmeter scale resolution map of the Galápagos Rift wascreated with a multibeam sonar on ABE. Together,1,029 square nautical miles were mapped.The study of hydrothermal vents and animalscontinues to yield significant new discoveries. Oneexample is a seafloor microbial habitat where largequantities of microorganisms live in extremeconditions of heat and chemistry. These microorganisms could potentially be used in biotechnology andpharmaceutical applications.One of the most significant findings made during thismission was the first-ever discovery of sponges athydrothermal vents. These sponges, never beforeseen in association with vent ecosystems, seem to

17

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

live in an unusual symbiotic relationship with ventresident snails. More information about thisdiscovery will be available soon, as missionscientists are preparing journal publications andpresentations. 

NOAA joined with the Woods

ic Institution (WHOI) and a

f scientists for a return to the

he underlying mission for this

as to reexamine vents in the

underwater hot springs release

-rich fluids into the cold, dark

an integrated foundation for

ápagos Rift. Like the discovery

er, these vents were found to be

ordinary, unexpected life. 

 expedition resulted in major

te of the famous Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is one of the

Rift where, 25 years ago,

were first discovered and where

nisms were first seen. However,

he cruise strongly supported the

ose Garden no longer exists. The

ered by a lava flow, probably

past ten years. Although several

 to finding the Rose Garden site,

e no trace of it. All of the Rose

ave apparently been obliterated.

vidence of the many Alvin dive

the vicinity of the Rose Garden

arter century. 

PLORATION
utilization of deep-sea crabs was examined and live

samples were collected to determine biological characteristics such as species, sex, and reproductivecondition. A ‘gentler’ manipulator claw wasdeveloped and tested on the Alvin, which aided in

the collection of live crabs. Observations were madeat various depth ranges where particular crab specieswere most abundant to document reproductive oraggregative behaviors and interactions with otherspecies. During the expedition, scientists discovered juvenileking crab habitat and found commensal amphipodson two crabs at depths deeper than previouslyrecorded. The previously mentioned newmanipulator claw was developed and tested throughthe initiatives of two cruise participants, and workedwell in the collection of crabs. Eight different speciesof deep-sea crabs were collected, as were 15 to 20different coral species, including several bamboocorals not previously known to the region. Theknown distribution of several families of deep-seacorals was also expanded through the findings of thisexpedition.Through 13 successful Alvin dives, more than 160

hours of video footage was collected. Thisdata demonstrated extraordinarybiological diversity, andshowed that originalvolcanic rocks remainwell exposed on

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

GOA seamounts with pillow basalts, lava conduits,and columnar jointing standing out in amazingdetail. Over 700 square nautical miles of highresolution multi-beam bathymetric maps were madeof the five GOA seamounts, and a sixth seamountthat had been mapped on a previous expedition wasexplored and sampled.Not only were the seamounts mapped during thisexpedition, but their importance as essential habitatfor many species of crabs and fishes, and other deepwater organisms was extensively documented aswell. The last seamount explored during the GOAexpedition was Warwick Seamount, which was sobiologically rich and unique that it was referred to as‘The Garden of Eden.’ Vast forests of hot pinkparagorgia corals teeming with life were discovered,as were many other species of corals, crabs, fishes,brittle stars, and other invertebrates includingenormous vase and elephant sponges, some as tall asthe Alvin. This thriving community exists on aseamount that, at approximately seven million yearsold, is believed to be the youngest of those explored.

otographic inventory of benthic

 transects were conducted with

ne depth distribution, habitat

mmunity structure of seamount

overage swath bathymetric map

was produced to search for

c structures, and rock exposures

ge, duration, composition, and

nic eruptions and for microbio

ef-building deep-sea corals and

collected to determine their age

or providing information about

ariability in the GOA. 

e of deep-sea gorgonian corals

determine whether seamount

tically isolated units. The repro

me deep-sea coral samples was

cies distribution and habitat

PLORATION
Thompson, imaged 1050 square nautical miles.

When the highest priority sites were identified on thenew map, the Woods Hole OceanographicInstitution’s ABE was deployed for five squarenautical miles of meter scale mapping. The mapswill provide generations of scientists with newlyavailable seafloor detail.ABE was deployed on seven dives and spent 85 hourson the bottom. By pinpointing dive targets on theABE maps mission, scientists were able to optimizethe deployments of the Canadian ScientificSubmersible Facility’s ROPOS ROV. A total of eightROPOS dives encompassing 88 hours of bottom timeprovided scientists and explorers significant opportunities to explore the ridge.

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

An important achievement of this expedition was thedeployment of a recently developed high-resolutiondigital camera system on board the ROV ROPOS.This camera, the first of its kind, captured imageswith such clarity and detail, that scientists were oftenable to identify biological and geological features ofthe site only after reviewing images. At least 30active vents were discovered, ranging in temperature from 20 degrees C to 311 degrees C. 

exploration team of NOAA and

niversity scientists explored the

er of 2002 as part of a new

Fire Expedition.” Using an array

 imaging tools, the seafloor has

he surface for examination,

alysis. The expedition team

ble amount of new information

Pacific “Submarine Ring of Fire,”

be disseminated to the broader

y for collective analyses and

ths and years ahead.

successful in being the first ever

am mapping unit aboard an

ic Explorer (ABE), providing

data with detail never seen

multi-beam system, mounted on

Washington’s R/V Thomas G.

PLORATION
One of the most unusual sites explored during the

expedition was a site called the Brine Pool, which isa small hypersaline lake on the seafloor with adistinct surface and shoreline. It exists within theocean because its water is so much denser than thesurrounding seawater. The Gulf of Mexico containsbrine lakes ranging from 1 m across to 20 km long.The Brine Pool was created by the dissolution ofburied salt deposits formed during a time when theGulf of Mexico was dry land. Now, broken into twolarge sheets, the movement of this salt sculpts theseafloor, and creates unique habitats. During the first leg of this expedition, the highestpriority was to test equipment developed especiallyfor exploration in the Gulf, and to initiateexperiments that would be completed on latercruises, such as tubeworm age and growth studies,and a study on mussel settlement in brine pools.Several new cold-seep sites were also brieflyexplored and sampled before inclement weatherforced the early termination of this leg. The mainobjectives for the second leg were to conductsubmersible dives on methane hydrate sites to collecthydrates and sediments. During a third leg thescientists focused on reproductive biology studies ofthe seep animals and also explored and sampledseveral of the new cold-seep sites that were missedduring the first leg.Brine pools and microbial mats were also sampled,as were planktonic organisms. The ever-elusive iceworms were sought out and collected for physiological analysis. The preliminary examination of thecollections suggests that at least three additionalspecies that are new to science were collected withthe tubeworms. Another facet of this expedition

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

incorporated both ship and submersible operationsand involved mapping the seafloor. Several potentialnew sites to be visited on subsequent missions wereidentified using this dual-sonar approach.One of the major surprises of deep-sea biology in thepast 50 years has been the discovery that manyspecies living in deep cold waters breed during onlyone season of the year. Although seasonal breedingis common in shallow water, it is unexpected in thedeep-sea, where seasonal changes are not obvious.The Gulf of Mexico expedition team studied thereproduction and embryology of seep animals,including mussels, clams, snails, crustaceans,tubeworms and several other kinds of worms. Diveswere conducted to study the reproduction andembryology of these seep animals. The animals werecollected for studies of feeding biology, communitystructure and diversity, and larval physiology andgrowth. Sediment was collected so that scientistcould learn more about theunique microscopic animalsthat live between the sandgrains in this extremeenvironment. 

g over two months of ship time,

 days, and 60 hours of bottom

e of the most interdisciplinary

ken of the deep-sea life of the

e of the most exciting findings of

he discovery of a new species of

 was the discovery of a large

ciated with the carbonate rocks

he seep sites.

rms

 as

t at

the

ese

ely

ant

around deep-sea hydrothermal

 worms have no mouth, gut, or

obtain their food from special

at live inside their bodies in an

phosome, which is basically a

. These bacteria are chemosyn

en sulfide present in cold-seeps

ents, as an energy source. By

and observing their growth over

e determined that the Gulf of

beworms are among the longest

 on Earth. They can easily live

ears.

PLORATION
continental shelf, on the upper slope and on the

Blake Plateau, approximately 80-100 km offshore ata depth of 1200 m. These reefs were found tocontain a wide variety of deepwater coral speciesand associated biota. In even deeper water,researchers discovered monotypic stands of Lopheliaand Dendrophelia corals. Observations made at two

reefs separated by 100 km indicated that completelydifferent communities were utilizing the same type ofhabitat. Further research on both of these habitattypes is critical since little is known about them, theirfunction, or their overall health. Researchers plan touse the information collected during this mission asa complement to historical data sets, providingnatural resource managers with more information formaking effective decisions. With over 200 biological samples of deep-seaorganisms collected at the site, researchers observeda richer abundance and higher diversity of species ascompared to information in existing literature. Theteam also collected several unidentified species ofsponges and octocorals.

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

Scientists also witnessed sightings of the lionfish,Pterios volitans, a venomous invasive species nativeto western Pacific waters. This fish species had neverbeen observed in waters this deep along the Atlanticcoast until this year. The species appears to benumerous, widespread, and well established; itsimpact is unknown. 

on extended exploration efforts

s, and fostered collaboration on

eas for habitat and resource

solution sidescan sonar, 48

taling over 120 hours of bottom

al sampling techniques, the

d and investigated deep-water

m habitats. Scientists collected

cterize these areas in terms of

eology, biology, and ecology.

ransition in these communities

pth, and the position of the reefs

f Stream. 

tion, the team distinguished

s of reef habitat and explored a

tioned along the edge of the

PLORATION
sea bottom, the science team studied the relationships between pelagic and benthic communities.

They investigated the manner in which food energy istransferred from the surface of the ice, through thewater column, and to the bottom of this harshenvironment. In addition, they will analyze bottomsediments to determine their chemical makeup, aswell as help reconstruct the climatic history andpaleo-ecological events that formed the region. Threelong-term moorings were also successfully deployed.These instruments will relay information about thetemporal changes in ice thickness, current speed anddirection, temperature and salinity over a two-yearperiod. The international team looked at life throughout theentire water column. By combining these ‘slices oflife’ with the physical and chemical research,scientists will have a look at the ecosystem structureof the basin. Preliminary findings include: thepotential discovery of a new species of jellyfish;successful culturing of novel microorganisms; and

27

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

raise new questions about the rates of reproductionin the Arctic. This exploration also provided abaseline for scientists to measure future effects ofpotential climate change.The Arctic expedition also enabled the successfuldevelopment and deployment of a highly portableremotely operated vehicle (ROV). Most deepsubmergence assets, though extraordinarilyproductive, still remain prohibitively expensive forscientists and other non-military or industrial groups.The only way to extend these capabilities to thewider community is to reduce their operation,transport and maintenance costs. The successfuldeployment of the Deep Sea Systems International,Inc. Global Explorer ROV to 3000 m during theArctic expedition provides hope that the cost forthese assets is declining. Hundreds of live cultures of organisms collectedduring the mission are being assayed under a varietyof extreme conditions. One newly discoveredmicroorganism grows solely on hydrocarbons at –1degree C. This microbe may be a significantorganism for bioremediation at low-temperatures.Further studies will verify if this or other organismscollected during the mission are new to science. 

to severe ice conditions and

e the Canada Basin one of the

st known areas. Underwater

rder the western and northern

Waters in the depths remain at

eratures, unfrozen year-round.

otective ice cover, there is a

ost of which has never been

ers. Due to the remote and

vironment, migration of life in

rea may be greatly limited.

e scientists believe the basin

d Eden,’ harboring undiscovered

 extremophiles – novel microor

dapted to survive in the harsh

ned members of the Canada

 Arctic Climate Study (JWACS)

n Coast Guard icebreaker, Louis

WACS studied the physical and

phy of the Canada Basin, United

d an ecosystem approach to

 and under the sea ice, as well

and bottom habitats. 

taling over 50 hours under water

mbined with six SCUBA dives,

polar explorers examining the

e in the Basin. From intricate

sms found in brine channels

ice to creatures that live on the

PLORATION
greatly improved a scientist’s ability to interpret the

seafloor geography. Using these tools incombination gives us a new set of technological“eyes” to see features in the ocean never beforedistinguished.The main objective of this expedition was to mapareas of the continental slope and rise to the east andwest of the Hudson Canyon, and merge this datawith existing multibeam coverage to produce the firstcoherent high-resolution bathymetric map of theHudson Canyon region. This objective was met withthe successful collection of data in a 6,600 squarenautical mile area in the Canyon, contributing significantly to our understanding of this region. The

29

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

second major objective of this expedition was tosearch for methane-venting zones through in-depthchemical analysis of water samples. Water samplesare currently being analyzed to determine where andhow widespread methane ‘plumes’ are in theHudson Canyon, and to find the sources of methanein the area. The results of this expedition will be usedto determine how long-term geological processeshave shaped the Hudson Canyon, and this mappingeffort will assist oceanographers in the future as theyexplore the deep ocean for new organisms, searchfor novel energy resources, and determine how ouractions on land impact the deep sea. 

of modern underwater mapping

ade by lowering weighted lines

cessive individual points. Today,

or is remotely mapped using

igh resolution seismic-reflection

 mapping surveys provide a

highly detailed picture of the

e underlying geology by trans

coustic pulses that are reflected

m and subsurface layers. Thus,

roved maps of the ocean by

an sounds like.

ol now available to scientists is

used to process, archive and

phic information while at sea.

swath bathymetry and sidescan

ble to create dynamic, three

at sea. For this expedition,

s used. This approach produced

ong the ship's track, but also for

es

t,

a

s.

ct

ta

as

d

as

PLORATION
a spongehead catshark (Apristurus spongiceps), and

the first photo documentation of a smalltooth sandshark (Odontaspis ferox). Other fish and shellfish

were observed on many of the dives, and specieswere observed in depth ranges and on habitats neverbefore seen. The spectacular Grammatonotusmacrophthalmus is a colorful reef fish that had onlybeen seen by scientists once previously, and 10individuals were observed during the team’s seconddive. Profiles of coral communities that inhabit theseamounts at various depths were observed, andcollections were taken for further laboratory analysis.

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

Deep-water habitat of the Hawaiian monk seal wasalso explored using the Pisces IV submersible. Thesedives allowed scientists to explore coral beds, studyhabitat characteristics, and see the deep ecosystemintact, rather than through pieces taken from trawlsurveys. Using the ROV RCV-150, shallower coralbeds and associated fauna were observed andsampled.In addition to the many scientific discoveries of thismission, many scientists noted that an importantpiece of the expedition was the remarkable mappingcapabilities of the Kilo Moana. An area of over11,000 square nautical miles was mapped this yearduring the Northwestern Hawaiian Islandsexpedition. These maps give important details toresource managers and scientists to characterizehabitat, accurately update nautical charts, andestablish isobaths for the purpose of identifyingboundaries. This high-resolution bathymetry alsoprovides a basis of information for future explorationwith occupied submersibles and ROVs.This information provides a new baseline forecosystem data in one of the world’s least exploredareas. 

a led

 new

orals.

data

mpton

ntists

ellent

water

other

t otherwise would have been

primary purpose for the second

onduct detailed multi-beam

nd seamounts within the NWHI

m Reserve, specifically within the

 areas. This survey yielded

maps of the ocean floor in areas

gistical and scientific planning

dition to make the cruise an

he planning paid off as this

several “first ever” accomplish

on deployed the first occupied

 the unexplored Northampton

s received their first view of this

eight dives, totaling 29 hours of

the University of Hawaii

ces IV. Also, five ROV dives,

f bottom time, were made for

ollections. Rare sharks were

ncluding the first ever sighting of

PLORATION
33

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

Another wreck, found August 1, appeared to be aRoman trade ship, and a third has not yet beenidentified. Ballard said an amphora, a tall jar used totransport commodities in the ancient world, wasretrieved. Intact ancient wooden shipwrecks areextremely rare, however, in the Black Sea, organismsthat commonly devour wooden ships in other bodiesof water are not present below a depth of 450 feet,leaving most ships fully preserved. Ballard and histeam plan to return to the Black Sea next year on amajor expedition that will pioneer deepwater archaeological excavation. 

BOTTOM TRAWLING RESEARCH ANDRECONNAISSANCE SURVEYING IN BRISTOL BAY

Bottom trawling effects are being studied in a

shallow, soft-bottom areaof the eastern Bering Sea.In 2001, OE and theNational Marine FisheriesService (NMFS) partneredto map twelve 10-mile

long research corridors, each surveyedbefore and after trawling with commercialgear. To investigate the recovery process,these same corridors were resampled in2002 during a 21-day cruise aboard thechartered fishing vessel Ocean Explorer.Surface-living organisms (epifauna),surficial sediments, and organisms living inthe sediments (infauna) were sampledusing research trawls and van Veen grabsamplers. A high-resolution side scansonar system was also deployed to studypossible changes in physical characteristicsof the seafloor as a result of trawling. Amultidisciplinary team of scientists,technicians, and fishers from government,university, military, and industry sectors arecollaboratively working on the study. 

CENSUS OF MARINE LIFE: BIODIVERSITY OFBEAR SEAMOUNT:

While the geology of the New

England Seamounts andtheir effects on the GulfStream have beenextensively studied,hardly any studies havelooked at the communities of living organismsresiding there. The first biological census everundertaken at Bear Seamount, New England’s mostinshore seamount, was completed during thisproject. The objectives for this project were toexplore the biodiversity in the vicinity of BearSeamount by collecting organisms (especially fishand cephalopods) in bottom- and mid- watersamples and to collect information on the distribution of cetaceans, particularly beaked whales andsperm whales, oceanographic features, and potentialprey. Deep mid-water trawling at 20 different stationswas very successful. Additionally, sets of mid-water

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 group of Girl Scouts. This was

 between NOAA and GSUSA

d Girl Scouts together for ocean

on. The National Undersea

University of North Carolina at

go, Florida field station, home to

erwater laboratory, the Aquarius

project. The Scouts learned the

ploration, oceanography, ocean

ef ecology, habitat preservation,

 through hands-on experience

th mentor scientists. These

the Aquarius and visited current

work in the habitat (and even

delicious Girl Scout Cookies).

de marine resource scientists to

nities on restored coral reef sites,

ploration of the Benwood wreck

eys National Marine Sanctuary.

Girl Scout created an outreach

t they learned to their schools,

and communities. 

ancements in new ocean 

priority for NOAA’s Office of

The latest expedition to the

ed by Dr. Robert Ballard and

OAA, used state-of-the-art

in the discovery of several

 which appeared to be ancient,

ff the coast of Bulgaria. One of

en ship about 40 feet long, was

Ballard’s Institute for Exploration

manned submarine to dive on

entified on an earlier mission.
HUNLEY

Friends of the Hunley is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the H.L. Hunley complete

her historic journey home. The goals of the Friendsof the Hunley are to: recover the remains of the bravemen who gave their lives and honor them with theproper burial they earned; solve the mystery of thefirst ever submarine attack in 1864; and conserveone of the greatest, most sought-after artifacts in the

history of naval warfare.This year, NOAApartnered with the Friendsof the Hunley for thedevelopment of newoutreach and educationmaterials.

THE LINK PROJECT

NOAA and NASA are investigating new opportu- nities for partnerships in exploration. Scientists,

engineers, and explorers have much in common, andby crossing boundaries and working together, theycan share solutions to some of sciences mostimportant challenges. The Link Project 2002captured the spirit of its namesake, renownedinventor Edwin Link, by convening an internationalsymposium for ocean and space scientists andengineers in May 2002. This symposium, held atNASA’s Kennedy Space Center, facilitated technologyexchange between the ocean and space science andengineering communities through technical sessions.One season highlighted advancements in technologythat may be of benefit to both ocean and spaceexploration. Another session described the role of

35

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

technology in deep sea and interplanetaryexploration and its potential to answer fundamentalquestions about the origin and distribution of life.Proceedings from the symposium were published inthe Marine Technology Society Journal in August2002. The Link Symposium was also the focus of anarticle in the June 2002 issue of “Nature.”

MAPPING THE PUERTO RICO TRENCH

In September 2002, NOAA

teamed up withscientists fromUSGS, and theUniversity of NewHampshire’s Centerfor Coastal andOcean Mapping onboard the NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown to map aportion of the Puerto Rico trench. The Puerto Ricotrench is associated with the most negative gravityanomaly on earth, and comprises the deepest regionin the Atlantic Ocean with depths reaching morethan 8400 meters. Yet, the bathymetry of the trench

geye tunas southeast of Hawaii,

h they are frequently found

300-400m, the tunas dive down

m, waters characterized by very

It was previously thought that

were not a habitat for bigeye

data suggest that while they can

oxygen water for long periods,

om the resultant oxygen deficit

ons to shallower depths.

IS AND CLARK LEGACY

etailed map of an area greater

autical miles. The new map

the submerged paleo-shoreline

of Newport, Oregon, that has

ore. One exciting observation

of this ancient coastline is the

f what would have been the

ent-day Yaquina River Estuary,

tion (ca. 17,000 YBP). Seaward

ave-cut platform possibly repre

ontinental shelf. During the

uina River Estuary is one of the

ies, and the location of a major

port, Newport. Could this

e home of some of the first North

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two basalt spires

characterizing itas the Gulf’s onlyknown volcanicarea, were fullysurveyed. Thesurvey resulted indetailed

bathymetric maps of several geological areasincluding 12 formerly unknown features. NOAA’sFlower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary used themapping data to support submersible work thefollowing month. By overlaying the submersibletrack lines over the bathymetric charts, the teamdramatically increased the efficiency of their dives.They were able to use newer technology to exploreseveral new areas and revisit old sites.

SIRENA

Seismic Investigation by REcording of acoustic waves in the North Atlantic (SIRENA) On May 17,

2002, NOAA teamed with scientists from both sidesof the Atlantic on board the French research vessel LeSuroit. They sailed from Ponta Delgada, in thePortugese Azores, to deploy an array of six continuously recording hydrophones around the MidAtlantic Ridge north of the Azores. The acoustic datawas not available in real time, but the instrumentswill be recovered in the summer 2003. The onboarddata and resulting analyses will constitute an

“acousticexploration” of thisimportant region ofthe global ocean.Anticipatedacoustic activityincludesearthquakes, and

possibly volcanic activity, from the Mid-AtlanticRidge and Iceland, large whale calls, especially bluewhales and humpback whales, and new measurements of the noise impact of oil exploration around

37

FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

EXPEDITIONS AND PROJECTS

the Atlantic Basin. Some new phenomena that couldbe present in the data include landslides along themassive continental slopes around the North Atlanticor the sound of catastrophic release of submarinemethane hydrates from these margins. Also, thearray will be within range of permanent glaciers onGreenland and may be able to detect soundsassociated with ice processes in that region. 

THUNDER BAY

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated to help preserve an important part of

America’s maritime heritage. This is the second yearof a partnership between NOAA and Dr. RobertBallard’s Institute for Exploration (IFE) to investigateshipwrecks at the site. The goal of this year’s projectwas to use digital underwater video mounted on tworemotely operated vehicles (ROV) to investigateshipwrecks and geological features the team locatedlast year; the results were astounding. Highdefinition digital video data were acquired on almosttwo-dozen wrecks, ranging from wooden schoonersof the 1850’s to 20th century steel freighters. Thevideo data recorded detailed images of shipwrightcraftsmanship from an age when Great Lakesmaritime commerce and trade were at their fullest.The ROVs also searched sinkholes and several othergeologic features for evidence of human habitation

prior to therefilling of thelake followingthe last IceAge. 

upplies and facilities to ensure

xciting event, while contributing

of tomorrow’s leaders in ocean

of 

n

y

al

r

c

s

ches of Normandy. The NHC

ormation on U.S. Navy losses

ptune, the Allied naval invasion

dy coast on June 6, 1944 (D

ng and ROV instruments were

confirm the existence of U.S.

les and German beachhead

as were mapped using magne

w water multibeam sonar tech

ng discovery of more than 2,000

and over 800 sonar targets were

database. The ROV phase of the

d thirty-three targets deemed

t to the interpretation of naval

ican landing sectors, including

essel, Susan B. Anthony.

MEXICO HIGH RESOLUTION

orated with the Minerals 

Service (MMS) and the U.S.

SGS) to map the northwest Gulf

gh-resolution multibeam system.

uired by the USGS using C&C

Ocean Surveyor, and processed

University of New Brunswick.

 as Alderdice Bank, which has

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OUTREACH

39

OR

st 6, 2002, after spending 140 

n the ocean floor, the turret of

nitor was successfully raised by

the U.S. Navy. The turret was

by barge to The Mariner’s

Newport News, Virginia for

 and further excavation. The

e turret, filled with silt and coal,

y historical findings including

ahlgren cannons, a fully intact

a well-preserved leather boot.

s of two sailors were also

nd were carefully transported to

Army’s Central Identification

 Hawaii for proper treatment. 

PLORATION
The oceans are the lifeblood of Earth. They cover 70% of the planet’s surface, drive its weather, cleanse its atmosphere and

ultimately fuel all living creatures. The increasingawareness that human existence on Earth is bound tothe ocean, is directly related to our expandingknowledge of ocean regions and processes. Ascornerstones of the Ocean Exploration program andwith 10% of its overall annual budget dedicated toeducation and outreach activities, OE strives toengage the broadest possible audiences in order toraise America’s environmental literacy. 

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

OUTREACH

Engaging this expanding audience is not withoutchallenges. In 2002, NOAA organized regionalworkshops to solicit the needs and concerns ofocean constituents around the country. Theseworkshops provided valuable guidance aboutregional ocean exploration and science needs, andinspired a number of new exploration partnerships.OE’s program signals a turning point for this Nation’socean exploration efforts and represents a bold andinnovative approach. It infuses teams of multidisciplinary scientist-explorers with a “Lewis and Clark”spirit of discovery, and then equips them with thelatest exploration tools. OE has made a commitmentto share these 21st century explorations with millionsof interested people. Through OE’s website and otheroutreach activities such as radio shows and portcalls, everyone can become an ocean explorer.

REACHING OUT IN NEW WAYS
outlets featured NOAA Ocean Explorer this year,

including CNN.com, LA Times, Yahoo, AP wire, WallStreet Journal, ABCnews.com, NY Times/Herald,Baltimore Sun, and the San Jose Mercury News; itwas also the lead story on the NOAA homepage forseveral explorations.Other outreach projects included a partnershipbetween NOAA and the Girl Scouts of the USA toincrease opportunities for young women in oceanscience. This project brought six nationally selectedGirl Scouts to the Aquarius underwater habitat fieldshore station in Key Largo, Florida for an intensiveweek of ocean study. The “expedition” included theexploration of a shipwreck in the Florida KeysNational Marine Sanctuary, a visit to a restored coralreef site, lessons in fish identification, and an introduction to the tools of ocean science. The Smithsonian Institution and NOAA partnered forthe 2002 Smithsonian Associates Summer Camp forKids. “The Aquanauts: Exploring the Ocean Depths”

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

OUTREACH

gave 10 to 13 year-olds a chance to learn aboutocean technology, study marine life, and build amodel of the seafloor. This project ran in conjunctionwith a NOAA expedition to the South Atlantic Bightand gave young explorers a chance to interact withchief scientists and submersible pilots at sea viasatellite phone.

EDUCATION

“NOAA helped me connect my oceanographystudents to authentic exercises and information usingthe internet.” Teacher participant in NOAA’s exploration on-linecurriculum and professional development workshopAchieving increased American environmentalliteracy requires collaboration between oceanexplorers and America’s teachers. Working toachieve this goal, new products for educatorsdeveloped in 2002 included 71 new ocean scienceand exploration lesson plans for students in grades 5through 12. 

e of its kind that focuses on the

 of the ocean and airs on over

tations around the world. The

tions to shared problems and

listeners can help preserve our

ource. 

cessfully participated in Capitol

(CHOW) 2002, a bi-partisan

al meetings and events high

and coasts. CHOW brought

nge of stakeholders to discuss

he ocean. An action agenda

 ocean awareness among both

was also highlighted. The event

ve focus on key ocean issues,

g ocean technologies and

n literacy.

 existence, the Ocean Explorer

eb site (oceanexplorer.noaa.gov)

as recognized as a flagship

OAA offering. With more than

000 visitors per day, it is one of

OAA’s most popular web sites.

is growing public profile

ompted further improvements to

e site. External contributors in

002 were more familiar with the

e and its mission, and eagerly

fered their submissions to

pport the growth and impact of

e website.

ith over 3,500 pages of content,

s near real-time daily logs from

c background information on

ocean exploration, educational

nformation on exploration, and

 science publication references

oducts including video, still

ical sketches of explorers.

e to show a growing audience,

n visits in August 2002. The

cean Explorer spent almost five

g each visit. Many major media

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FISCAL YEAR 2002 ANNUAL REPORT

OUTREACH

cators and scientists to guide

education efforts for maximum

ducators, the Office published

esident's Panel Report entitled,

Final Frontier: A U.S. Strategy for

n an issue of Current, the Journal

on. Current is the premier

 National Marine Educators

es over 1,200 educators located

try, including the Hawaiian and

Activities for teachers and

n ocean exploration were also

cation.

ented through presentations at

the National Science Teachers

National Marine Educators

uth Carolina Marine Educators

erican Geophysical Union, the

 Society and NOAA’s OAR

 

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Education and outreach materials for eight voyages of discoveryCoordinated web development for educational offerings with NOSProfessional Development Institutes in four statesThree activity bookletsFormed partnership with Building a Presence for Science, an NSTAdissemination networkMATE ROV competitionMATE SeaLab supportRepresentation on various advisory boards and committees, bothregional and nationalAppointed to NOAA Education CouncilPresentations at national and regional conferencesPartnered with NSF RIDGE Program for joint education workshopPartnered with NGS to begin planning of Classroom Exploration ofthe Ocean, a virtual teacher workshopSmithsonian Associates Aquanaut CampCorrelated NOAA education posters to NSESStephen Low Productions partnership in educationNational Education WorkshopPort daysInvolved in development of NOAA Education Strategic Plan andprovided input into NOAA Draft Strategic PlanNational workshop after regional workshops held to lead up to ForumWhite paper on ocean science education involvementRI Sea Grant Topical Advisory Team for EducationMote Marine Laboratory Blue Ribbon CommitteeSECOSEE partnership in three state region in SEHawaii educator partnership in conjunction with NWHI expedition

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION "PRODUCTS" AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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c Administration