Status: 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration
From July 19-August 13, NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, and partners will conduct a 26-day cruise on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to increase our understanding of the seafloor and water column in the deep waters of the Cook Islands, better characterize the resources and ecosystems they hold, and support Cook Islands-led decision-making. The 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise will include remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives to explore the seafloor and water column, mapping operations, Argo float deployments, other sensors, and continuous shore-side participation via telepresence technology.
All things permitting, when the ship is not in transit, dives will be streamed most days between July 20 and August 7. Note that plans are subject to change. Over the course of the cruise, we will conduct ROV dives at depths ranging from approximately 2,500 to 6,000 meters (1.6 to 3.7 miles) to explore habitats at seamount, knoll, and plateau features.
July 22, 2026
Dive 03: Shakedown 3
Today’s dive will take place on a seamount just to the west of Palmerston Atoll, starting at a depth of approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The dive will once again focus on shaking down remotely operated vehicle systems, but we also hope to see some interesting biology and geology in the process. The ship has a long overnight transit to make it to the seamount, so the dive will get off to a later start and may be delayed from the tentative times listed below. Check back for updates!
- Estimated launch: 10:30 a.m. CKT / 1:30 p.m. PDT / 4:30 p.m. EDT
- Estimated seafloor arrival: 11 a.m. CKT / 2 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT
- Estimated seafloor departure: 6:30 p.m. CKT / 9:30 p.m. / 12:00 a.m. EDT (July 23)
*Plans and times subject to change
What Are You Seeing?
When Okeanos Explorer is underway on an expedition, this page will broadcast streams from the ship. What is being shown on the different video streams may change depending on the exploration and operations at hand.
Note that occasionally on the feeds, you will see two red dots; these laser points are 10 centimeters (almost four inches) apart and are used by scientists to determine the sizes of things that they are seeing.
All views and opinions expressed in this video feed are those of the speaker and are not attributable to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other federal agency.
What Are You Hearing?
Audio is only available during dives, when the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are in the water. Audio from both science participants and ROV pilots is available on Cameras 1 & 3.
All views and opinions expressed in this video feed are those of the speaker and are not attributable to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other federal agency.