EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems

The west coast of the United States showing locations of EXPRESS ship-based multibeam surveys, ROV dives, AUV dives, and sediment samples. Red boxes show locations of close-up views of multibeam bathymetry in Figures 2 and 3 below.

In support of the Presidential Memorandum (PM) on Ocean Mapping, EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) activities include mapping, exploration, and characterization along the Pacific EEZ. In particular, the unique partnership of EXPRESS allows federal and non-federal entities to collaborate in identified priority areas. These are directly aligned to the National Strategy outlined by the Ocean Science and Technology Subcommittee (OST) that is being released during Capitol Hill Ocean Week, marking the beginning of National Ocean Month.

EXPRESS partners include NOAA, BOEM, USGS, MBARI, and USC Sea Grant.

Priorities

• Extend bathymetry and backscatter coverage to high priority areas
• Create a seamless map with benthic habitat classifications for targeted regions
• Locate and characterize deep sea coral, sponge, and chemosynthetic communities, including associated fish populations
• Identify underwater geological hazards and evaluate their potential for generating tsunamis
• Investigate deep-sea minerals of potential industry interest
• Use the complementary capabilities of federal assets to produce integrated datasets
• Provide a foundation of publicly accessible data and information to spur further exploration, research, and management
• Engage a broad cross-section of the scientific community and the public

Figure 2. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry of Trinidad Submarine Canyon northwest of Humboldt Bay in northern California. Area is in the vicinity of a potential offshore renewable energy development.

Figure 3. Colored, shaded-relief bathymetry offshore central California. Data supported management of National Marine Sanctuaries and prospective renewable energy decisions. Black ovals are locations of AUV-based multibeam surveys. Close-up views of two AUV surveys are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 4. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including submarine channels and pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI both prior to and as a part of EXPRESS.

Figure 5. Colored shaded-relief bathymetry including pockmarks offshore Morro Bay, California. Map generated from AUV-based multibeam bathymetry data collected by MBARI.

Fieldwork

EXPRESS partners have completed several research cruises using ships from NOAA, university, and non-profit oceanographic research institutions. More cruises are planned and under discussion. Every participating organization has contributed resources including ships, instruments, and personnel.

The NOAA ship Rainier completed several EXPRESS research cruises offshore of California and Oregon in 2017 and 2018. Credit: NOAA

Explore this interactive overview of some completed EXPRESS research cruises.

EXPRESS Expedition Team hosts NOAA, USGS, and BOEM leadership on October 21, 2019, in San Francisco

NOAA, BOEM, and USGS are the primary EXPRESS partners. Other partners include MBARI and USC Sea Grant.

Federal Partners

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• National Ocean Service (NOS) – Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Office of Coast Survey
• NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) – Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program
• Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR) – Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
• National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) – National Centers for Environmental Information
• Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM):

• Pacific Region
• Environmental Studies Program

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

• Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC)
• Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC)

EXPRESS workshop participants, November 29-30, 2018, in Santa Cruz, California

Non-Federal Partners

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)

Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (GFOE)

University of Southern California Sea Grant (USC Sea Grant)

Planning Workshop, November 29-30, 2018

Core EXPRESS participants held a planning workshop at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California. Attendees discussed objectives, refined priorities for future work, and reviewed accomplishments to date.

USGS research geologist Jenna Hill proposed new geophysical surveys at the EXPRESS workshop, November 2018, Santa Cruz, California