Okeanos Explorer (EX2406): Beyond the Blue: Johnston Atoll Mapping 2

Vessel: Okeanos Explorer; Expedition Dates: September 14 - October 10, 2024

Project Principals: Thomas Morrow, NOAA/OAR/OER (Expedition Coordinator and Mapping Lead)

From September 14 - October 10, 2024 (Hilo, Hawai'i to Honolulu, Hawai'i), NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted mapping operations within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone outside of Johnston Atoll and Hawai'i, and international waters, aiding in closing bathymetric gaps within this region. EX2406 collected 49,044 square kilometers of bathymetry and associated water column data. During mapping operations, NOAA Ocean Exploration simultaneously collected EM 304 multibeam sonar bathymetry observations and Simrad EK60/EK80 split-beam fisheries sonar observations of biologic material in the water column, as well as Knudsen 3260 sub-bottom profiler observations of sub-seafloor geologic structure and sediment. The exploratory mapping operations conducted during this cruise will provide initial characterization of the region, as well as data to support further exploration.