In a significant development for oceanic research and exploration, the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), led by the University of Rhode Islands Graduate School of Oceanography (URI-GSO), has been renewed for an additional five years. This renewal, announced on September 25, 2024, underscores the institute's remarkable achievements and its critical role in advancing ocean exploration and mapping.
Mission and Achievements
The OECI was established in 2019 with a mission to explore, map, and characterize the vast U.S. ocean territory, develop and implement new technologies, and engage future generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and stakeholders. Over its first five years, the OECI has demonstrated incredible productivity, mapping over half a million square kilometers (over 190,000 square miles) of seafloor, conducting over 200 uncrewed systems deployments, and collecting nearly 3,000 hours of seafloor video imagery.
The institute's work is crucial for expanding our knowledge of the unknown ocean and supporting various NOAA and federal priorities, including the restoration of the Gulf of Mexicos mesophotic deep benthic communities, offshore wind leasing, and conservation within U.S. marine national monuments and sanctuaries.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The OECI is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), University of New Hampshire (UNH), University of Southern Mississippi (USM), and the not-for-profit Ocean Exploration Trust (OET). This partnership leverages the expertise and resources of these globally recognized organizations to maximize the understanding of the deep sea in innovative ways.
The OECI also engages in international collaborations, such as the partnership with Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Geoscience Australia, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022. This cooperation aims to advance Pacific Ocean exploration and mapping, a key priority for NOAA and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Technological Advancements and Public Engagement
The OECI is at the forefront of developing and implementing new technologies, including autonomous vehicle systems and telepresence-enabled livestreaming. The Exploration Vessel Nautilus , operated by OET, plays a significant role in these efforts, reaching millions of people worldwide through its livestreams and enhancing public participation in ocean exploration.
The institute is also committed to advancing equity in ocean exploration, with expeditions designed to reflect broad global interests and engage diverse communities. This includes conducting exploration activities in various regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, and Atlantic Ocean.
Future Directions
With the renewal, the OECI will continue to focus on increasing capacity for deep-sea observations using autonomous systems, developing software for remote science and engineering, and operationalizing new uncrewed systems. These efforts will not only enhance our understanding of the ocean but also prepare students for careers in ocean exploration and the blue economy.
The renewal of the OECI is a testament to the collaborative efforts and innovative spirit of the affiliated institutions. As Dr. Adam Soule, OECI Executive Director, noted, 'The renewal of the OECI is a great reflection of the tremendous experience, creativity, and productivity of each of the affiliated institutions, but even more, it speaks to the tremendous benefit of having all of these institutions working cooperatively to help NOAA achieve its mission'.
