Project Instructions: EX2503, Beyond the Blue: Papahanaumokuakea ROV + Mapping

This project is part of a multiyear campaign with multiple NOAA and interagency partners to improve understanding of the diversity and distribution of deepwater habitats throughout the remote Pacific. The work will expand understanding by the science community and contribute to the identification of vulnerable marine ecosystems and underwater cultural heritage sites of importance to multiple Line Offices within NOAA, local stakeholders, and regional management councils as well as inform modeling efforts associated with identifying critical mineral areas. This expedition will provide new baseline information on habitat distributions and functioning in the Pacific Island region, including characterization, extent, abundance, and relative importance/sensitivity of deep sea habitats. The study will also assess connections between benthic productivity and productivity in the overlying water column to develop a better understanding of whole ecosystem functioning and the overall role of unique benthic habitats. Results will be compared to data collected in other areas across the region and be used to close several large data gaps identified by the science community and resources managers.