Okeanos Explorer (EX1403): East Coast Mapping and Exploration

Vessel: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer; Expedition Dates: May 7 - 22, 2014

Project Principals: Derek Sowers, NOAA/OAR/OER (Expedition Coordinator and Mapping Lead)

EX1403 is an exploratory mapping expedition. Using deep water multibeam, single beam and sub-bottom profile data, EX will perform baseline characterization of highest priority areas based on feedback from other NOAA Offices, Programs, Labs and regional management councils. Top priority areas are focused on Marine Protected Areas in the South Atlantic off the east coast of the U.S. EX will also fill data gaps along the Atlantic continental slope. As a survey of opportunity, EX will test an advanced oxygen/argon sensor, to conduct shallow plankton tows to help assess if bluefin tuna are spawning over the Blake Plateau region, and to search for an underwater cultural heritage resource in the vicinity of the continental slope near Cape Hatteras.