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Home  Ocean
 #ScienceAtSea Finding Fish Hotspots and Mapping Coral Reefs Expedition Marks Twelve Years of Discovery in the Caribbean  Check out select photos captured in HD during remotely operated vehicle dives.   From March 28-April 7, 2015, NOAA scientists are on a research expedition in the U.S. Virgin Islands aboard the NOAA Ship *Nancy Foster*. This is the 12th consecutive year of an effort to map the Caribbean's sprawling coral reef ecosystem, home to an amazing variety of ocean life. The science team is using multibeam sonar, scientific echosounder, underwater gliders, a remotely operated vehicle, and other high-tech tools to locate previously-unknown seafloor habitats; to map out coral reefs in fine detail; and to find 'hotspots' where many species of fish gather to spawn in rhythm with the lunar cycle. This data is used to help people better understand and manage this critically important region of the ocean..  ship with sonarMapping the SeafloorVIDEO
          See what it takes to map the seafloor in this new video.
 oceanglider listening for fishGet to Know GlidersVIDEO
          See how ocean gliders are revolutionizing ocean science in this new video.
 ROVROV ExplorationVIDEO
          See how scientists use remotely operated vehicles to explore underwater habitats.
 a tungsten ball used to calibrate split beam sonarCalibrating Sonar STORY, PHOTOS
          What does this tiny tungsten ball have to do with fish habitat?
 a backscatter mapInterviewPODCAST
          Get an in-depth understanding of the science behind the mission.
 a coneySeafloor Selects PHOTOS
          Here are some fo the best photos captured during remotely operated vehicle dives.
 stingrayStingray EncounterVIDEO
          A ROV survey of the seafloor in the U.S. Virgin Islands comes across a lone stingray swimming along the bottom.
 lionfishToo Many LionfishVIDEO
          This clip shows what you might call a "pride" of lionfish. See what the ROV camera captured on April 4, 2015.
 sonar reading of fishFinding Fish OCEAN FACT
          See how NOAA scientists use sound to locate fish and estimate their size.
 multibeam mapSONAR SCIENCE PHOTOS, ANIMATION
          How is sonar used to create habitat maps? Don't miss our animation and photos.
 NOAA Ship Nancy FosterNOAA Ship *Nancy Foster* SHIP PICS
          Get to know the NOAA Ship *Nancy Foster* and some of her crew with our photo gallery.
 ocean gliderOcean Glider LaunchPHOTOS, VIDEO
          How will researchers use an ocean glider on this mission? (photos, video)
 infographicMapping Coral HabitatINFOGRAPHIC
          See how two of the most important tools used by ocean scientists are sonar and video.
 NOAA UAVBenthic Habitat Map OCEAN FACT
          See how benthic habitat maps help scientists protect fragile underwater areas.
 nautical chart viewNautical Charts OCEAN FACT
          Seafloor mapping data is used to update nautical charts. Learn about the science of hydrography.
 a ROVROV Operations PHOTOS, VIDEO
          Get a closer look at the mission's Remotely Operated Vehicle. (photos, video)
 Google Earth with glider trackGlider TrackingVIDEO
          See where the mission's ocean glider travelled over the first five days after its release in this short video.
 Tim Battista and Chris TaylorREDDIT Ask Us Anything!REDDIT
          Did you miss our Reddit "Ask Us Anything"? No worries. You can read the questions and answers here.
 More **Information**  National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
        Coral Reef Conservation Program
        Office of Coast Survey  Did you know? Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can have an impact on reef health and conservation. Find out how.


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