Researchers are set to expand their understanding of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument through six planned expeditions to one of the largest protected areas globally.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicating this year to deep ocean mapping of Papahanaumokuakea and the Johnston Atoll, situated within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, to gain insights into these largely uncharted territories.
The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is engaged in high-resolution multibeam mapping of the seafloor as part of the initiative “Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific,” which aims to deepen scientific knowledge of the region’s deep waters.
NOAA emphasizes the necessity of gathering more data from the deep ocean to inform decisions that will protect the health of the ocean and the myriad species that inhabit both monuments.
While many scientists utilize remote technology from the shore, a team of four is currently aboard the Okeanos Explorer, collecting valuable data from the Johnston Atoll.
The onboard team, consisting of Shannon Hoy, Anna Coulson, Mark Durbin, and Caitlin Ruby, has just completed an intensive 20-day operation, working around the clock to map the seafloor before heading to Hilo this past Saturday. The ship will remain docked in Hilo for the upcoming week.
During this docked period, NOAA Ocean Exploration is collaborating with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the Mokupapapa Discovery Center to organize various private and public events.
One highlight is the event titled “Pilina Kai Lipo: Connecting to the Deep Ocean,” a two-day gathering aimed at engaging the local community with the deep ocean, set for this Tuesday and Wednesday at the discovery center.
“Pilina Kai Lipo” will showcase ongoing efforts to enhance the knowledge of the Papahanaumokuakea region, covering 583,000 square miles of reefs, atolls, and sea.
This free event will include educational activities, opportunities to meet ocean explorers, and a showcase of videos and highlights from deep-ocean exploration.
Justin Umholtz, an education associate with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Papahanaumokuakea, expressed enthusiasm about “bringing the place to the people,” pointing out that the UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Hawaiian archipelago is seldom visited.
“We will have additional exhibits and booths focused on educating both keiki and adults, residents, and visitors,” Umholtz noted. “This is a unique opportunity for people to connect with the special ecological and cultural significance of Papahanaumokuakea.”
Local artist Patrick Ching will offer free drawing classes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both mornings, along with painting classes in the afternoons, which require preregistration.
Throughout the week, NOAA Ocean Exploration and its partners will conduct further activities to engage the Hilo community regarding the deep ocean and its cultural and marine resource importance.
Members of the Keaukaha community, along with students and educators from local middle and high schools, have been invited to tour the Okeanos Explorer while it is docked in Hilo.
Additionally, a panel discussion featuring NOAA ocean explorers is planned for students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College.
NOAA states that the activities in Hilo aim to celebrate Papahanaumokuakea, support the next generation of marine stewards, and educate the community about deep-sea exploration.
At the end of the week, the Okeanos Explorer will venture 970 miles to map the ocean floor of the Johnston Atoll once more.
More details about the free two-day event at Mokupapapa Discovery Center can be found on NOAA’s Ocean Exploration website.