From Sand to Slopes - 2023 Johnston Atoll Expedition Begins!
This highlight video features a plethora of deep-sea wildlife spotted on our first dive of the NA153 expedition exploring the Johnston Atoll Unit of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM). This seamount is a relatively steep feature rising from less than 5 km to a shallowest depth of approximately 1500 m. The flat summit is relatively small (2 km across) compared to other immediately surrounding guyots.
Check out the round purple sea urchin and swimming Barbie-pink Chauncops anglerfish. You’ll also see a uniquely branching Chrysogorgia coral, a Synaphobranchus cutthroat eel, a dead stalked crinoid covered in brittle stars, as well as other fish and invertebrates of the region.
While recent expeditions have increased our baseline knowledge of the deep-water resources of PRIMNM, large areas remain completely unexplored, particularly towards the northern boundary of the Johnston Unit of PRIMNM. Complimenting exploration achievements from last season, this year, we’re exploring a region of ancient seamounts northwest of Johnston Atoll utilizing ROV dives and mapping surveys.
Deep Sea Biodiversity & Ancient Seamount Exploration near Johnston Atoll
In August 2023, we will return to the Central Pacific for 27 days of exploration within the Johnston Atoll Unit of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), starting and ending in Honolulu.
