This week, underwater enthusiasts can join a virtual expedition into the deep with ocean explorers, using remotely operated vehicles to capture images below the surface to explore uncharted waters off the coast of Hawaii.
“Most of the waters that will be explored during the expedition have never been visually surveyed before,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a press release Thursday. “The dives could yield some amazing discoveries, including undescribed marine life, undiscovered seamounts, sunken ships, and more!”
NOAA said scientists plan to use data collected by the Beyond Blue: Lighting Up the Pacific expedition to conduct a baseline assessment of the health of the ocean environment and study marine life and its habitats.
They say the data collected will help raise public awareness of issues affecting marine life and its habitats, and help scientists make informed decisions about largely unexplored underwater ecosystems, including exotic sea sponges and coral structures.
NOAA will begin live coverage on Friday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The expedition is part of NOAA's broader ocean exploration program, which aims to expand and deepen knowledge and understanding of ocean science and technology and to build and support businesses and sectors involved in the deep sea.
Sourse: www.upi.com
