Researchers aim to enhance their understanding of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument through six expeditions to one of the globe’s largest protected areas.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicating this year to deep ocean mapping of Papahanaumokuakea and Johnston Atoll, situated within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, in a bid to explore these largely uncharted territories.
The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is undertaking high-resolution multibeam mapping of the seafloor as part of “Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific,” a collaborative initiative focused on gaining insights into the region’s profound waters.
NOAA emphasizes the necessity for additional data collection from the deep ocean to make informed decisions about preserving ocean health and the myriad species that inhabit both monuments.
While many scientists remain on land utilizing remote technology, a team of four researchers—Shannon Hoy, Anna Coulson, Mark Durbin, and Caitlin Ruby—are currently aboard the Okeanos Explorer, gathering data from the Johnston Atoll. They recently completed an intensive 20-day expedition of around-the-clock exploratory seafloor mapping of the atoll’s depths before arriving in Hilo this past Saturday. The ship will remain docked in Hilo throughout the week.
During their stay, the Ocean Exploration team is collaborating with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Mokupapapa Discovery Center to host various private and public events.
The public is invited to participate in “Pilina Kai Lipo: Connecting to the Deep Ocean,” a two-day event aimed at engaging the community with the deep ocean, taking place this Tuesday and Wednesday at the discovery center.
“Pilina Kai Lipo” will showcase initiatives to deepen understanding of the Papahanaumokuakea area, which spans 583,000 square miles of reefs, atolls, and sea.
This free event will feature educational and interactive sessions, opportunities to meet the ocean explorers, and showcase videos and highlights from deep-ocean explorations over the two days.
Justin Umholtz, an education associate with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Papahanaumokuakea, expressed enthusiasm about “bringing the place to the people,” noting the infrequent visits to this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Hawaiian archipelago.
“We’re setting up extra exhibits and booths focused on educating both children and adults, residents and visitors,” Umholtz stated. “This will be an excellent way for individuals to connect with the unique and special nature of Papahanaumokuakea, which is rich in ecological and cultural significance.”
Local artist Patrick Ching will also offer drawing classes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both mornings, which will be free and open to everyone, as well as painting classes in the afternoons requiring preregistration.
Throughout the week, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners will facilitate additional activities to connect the Hilo community with the deep ocean—a remote area intimately linked with marine resources and cultural heritage.
Members of the Keaukaha community, along with students and educators from local high schools and middle schools, are invited to tour the Okeanos Explorer while it is docked in Hilo.
A panel discussion featuring NOAA ocean explorers will also be held for students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College.
NOAA has indicated that the week in Hilo is intended to celebrate Papahanaumokuakea, inspire the next generation of marine stewards, and educate the community about deep-sea exploration.
At the week’s conclusion, the Okeanos Explorer will journey 970 miles from Hilo to map the ocean floor of Johnston Atoll once again.
Further information regarding the free, two-day event at Mokupapapa Discovery Center can be found on the NOAA Ocean Exploration website.