Working together

One of the great strengths of this expedition is the partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Since Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was established, MBARI has helped scientists explore places few people have ever seen. What began as scientific advising has grown into decades of joint expeditions that continue to transform our understanding of the deep sea.

Each organization brings different strengths to the mission. MBARI’s remotely operated vehicles let us explore the seafloor in remarkable detail, while NOAA research ships help collect information from the sea surface. During June 10–20 of this year, for example, the NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada surveyed Davidson Seamount for this collaborative Seamount Hotspots project. Scientists gathered data on seabirds and marine mammals, sampled fishes and plankton, measured ocean conditions, and collected traces of environmental DNA—tiny bits of genetic material left behind by marine life. Together, these observations create a richer picture of the ecosystem than either organization could achieve alone.

Remarkable discoveries

The discoveries have been extraordinary. At Davidson Seamount and Sur Ridge, we’ve found forests of enormous, centuries-old corals and colorful sponges that provide habitat for countless other species. In the “foothills” of Davidson Seamount, scientists even discovered a natural “thermal spa” where slightly warmer water helps deep-sea octopus eggs develop more quickly—an unexpected ecological hotspot hidden nearly a mile beneath the ocean’s surface. 

Thanks to advances in deep-sea technology, Davidson Seamount has become one of the best-studied seamounts anywhere on Earth. Every expedition builds on the last, attracting researchers from around the world who combine their discoveries to answer new questions about life in the deep ocean.

Why it matters

Why does all of this matter? Because the deep sea is Earth’s largest living space, yet it remains one of our least understood. The knowledge gained here helps fishermen, resource managers, policymakers, and conservation organizations make informed decisions that support healthy oceans and thriving coastal economies. Research from these waters contributed to the addition of Davidson Seamount to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 2008, to the designation of Sur Ridge as a special fisheries management zone in 2026, and to the development of techniques for restoring fragile deep-sea coral habitats.

The adventure continues

These milestones are crucial, but science isn’t the only reason to explore. For many people, the deep ocean inspires a sense of wonder and spiritual fulfillment. New species are still waiting to be discovered and named, and most of the seafloor has yet to be seen by human eyes. 

Every dive reminds us that ocean exploration is far from over. With new technologies and collaborations like this one, we continue to uncover surprises—and it’s impossible to know what fantastic creatures or hidden ecosystems await the next expedition.