Join Us Exploring Palau National Marine Sanctuary

In support of the U.S.’s commitment to map Palau National Marine Sanctuary – which was announced in 2022 at the Our Ocean Conference hosted by Palau and the U.S. – two deep ocean exploration expeditions are being planned for October - November 2024 with funding from NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. Ocean Exploration Trust, Palau International Coral Reef Center, NOAA Ocean Exploration, and other Palauan and U.S. collaborators are working closely to co-develop plans for these expeditions, which will be streamed live and will include local scientists, educators, and students. 

Upcoming Expeditions

Expedition Scope and Planning Process

These expeditions will take place aboard OET’s Exploration Vessel Nautilus with the goals of building on previously acquired data in the region, advancing long-standing collaborations between the U.S. and Palau on protecting fisheries and the environment, and the U.S.’s  commitment to support mapping of PNMS. OET will provide all data to the Palauan government and Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and aims to provide publicly accessible data to support and enable follow-on exploration and management activities to better understand and care for the ocean. Building on the results from these activities, NOAA Ocean Exploration is also planning a series of expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in Palau in 2025. 

OET is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that works to explore the ocean, seeking out new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of STEAM education and technological innovation. They own and operate the 68-meter (224-foot) E/V Nautilus, equipped with deep diving robots- remotely operated vehicles capable of reaching 4,000 meters (13,300 feet)- and acoustic mapping sonars. OET’s expertise in conducting telepresence-enabled expeditions offers opportunities for scientists, students, and the public to participate remotely from shore alongside the international team of scientists, engineers, educators, mariners, and local cultural liaisons at sea. 

This will be OET’s first expedition in Palau and 167th worldwide with the mission to advance scientific knowledge and engage new generations of curious minds to learn more about the ocean.

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Our Technology

Ocean exploration is a complex endeavor, and Nautilus is outfitted with the latest tools and technology to provide scientists with the data they need for continuing research in geology, biology, and archaeology.

Ship-To-Shore Live Interactions

Bring explorer role models and the excitement of deep-sea exploration LIVE to your classroom, museum, science center, aquarium, or community event.