Expedition Overview: Exploring Enigmatic Seamounts in Papahānaumokuākea | Nautilus Live

E/V Nautilus is conducting the first ever exploration of 10 seamounts located inside the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Researchers are both interested in how this unusual chain of underwater mountains formed parallel to the Hawaiian Islands ridge, and whether these seamounts support vibrant coral and sponge communities like others in the region. Lead Scientists Dr. Christopher Kelley, University of Hawai’i, and Dr. Thomas Hourigan, NOAA Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program (DSCRTP), will be leading this expedition aboard Nautilus with Expedition Leader Allison Fundis, Ocean Exploration Trust. Research and expedition partners for this expedition include NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, University of Hawai’i, NOAA DSCRTP, and Oregon State University. --------------------------------------- E/V Nautilus is exploring unknown regions of the ocean seeking out new discoveries in biology, geology, and archaeology. Join us 24/7 for live video from the seafloor an