In 2018, NOAA scientists and partners embarked on two lengthy voyages, crossing through some of the most remote regions of the Pacific Ocean.
In 2018, NOAA scientists and partners embarked on two lengthy voyages, crossing through some of the most remote regions of the Pacific Ocean.
During the first mission aboard NOAA Ship Hi‘ialakai, researchers surveyed coral reef ecosystems in American Samoa and the Pacific Remote Islands. The goal of this annual expedition is to take a snapshot of the health and abundance of corals and reef fishes.
The second expedition, aboard NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette, focused on cleaning up marine debris from the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. During this voyage, the team removed more than 160,000 pounds of lost or abandoned fishing nets and plastics from this ecologically and culturally significant area, part of Papahānaumokuāea Marine National Monument.
View our top five photos from each mission below. Then take a look at all available photos from the 2018 coral reef and marine debris missions to find your favorites.
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Image via NOAA.
