ALT A grid of photos showing scholars doing a variety of activities, including: holding a tray of sampled oysters in a lab, holding a plate of whale baleen, on a boat, holding a weather balloon, and at a computer displaying audio data.

ALT Explorers-in-Training Mei Lin McLaughlin and Camden Oathout in the lab at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History processing environmental DNA samples collected on the 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of Explorer-in-Training Camden Oathout.

ALT The image shows a robotic arm underwater, grasping a black spherical object among a seabed of similar spheres. The seabed is composed of dark, pebble-like structures embedded in a light-colored substrate. A blue overlay on the right contains white text discussing the significance of deep ocean exploration. The robotic arm is in the top left corner, visibly metallic and mechanical in structure. In the foreground, the seabed features clusters of small black nodules scattered densely. The overall tone of the image is dark and moody, reflective of the deep ocean setting. Transcribed Text: OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS The deep ocean impacts our very survival, yet remains poorly understood. Many fisheries are based in deep waters, providing food, jobs, and livelihoods. The deep ocean holds reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Within ocean depths may lie cures to crippling diseases and sources of other natural products with potential as pharmaceuticals, enzymes, cosmetics,

ALT The image features an oceanic background with a large school of squid swimming, visible in the bottom half. The predominant colors are various shades of blue and gray, capturing the fluid motion of the squid. Overlaid on this background is an informational text block. At the top, there is a bold teal banner with the title "OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS" in large white letters. Below is a teal rectangle containing text highlighting the importance of ocean exploration and management. The bottom right includes a web address for further information. Transcribed Text: OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS Good management of ocean resources is critical, but we can’t manage what we don’t know. Careful practice in the use of our ocean and resources requires good management that balances use, enjoyment, and protection. But if we don’t know what’s out there, how can we effectively manage it? By exploring unknown reaches of the ocean and putting gained knowledge into the hands of management and regulatory commu

ALT The image is divided into two sections. The top section has a teal background with bold white text that reads "OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS." Below this, on the right side, there is a teal rectangular box containing white text discussing the application of ocean exploration knowledge and technologies. To the left of this textual section is an underwater scene showing a robotic vehicle navigating through dark waters, with a faint teal illumination reflecting off rugged underwater rock surfaces. The bottom right corner of the image has small white text with a website URL. Transcribed Text: OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS Ocean exploration knowledge, tools, and technologies can be applied elsewhere, enhancing resilience and recovery. Oftentimes we don’t think about our limited knowledge of the deep ocean until after disaster strikes and it’s too late. An oil spill or a missing aircraft can quickly demonstrate how little we know about these deepwater environments and how difficult it is to get tim

ALT The image features a two-toned background with a prominent blue-green and dark blue coloration. At the top, a teal banner contains bold white text stating "OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS." Below this, a large section of blue-green background holds a block of white text which reads: "While the ocean exploration community continues to grow, despite its importance, the number of people exploring our ocean remains small." Beneath this section, on the darker blue lower half, smaller white text provides further information and a call to action from NOAA Ocean Exploration. In the bottom right corner, there's an illustration of a slender, translucent fish with visible fins and detailing, resembling a deep-sea fish. Transcribed Text: OCEAN EXPLORATION MATTERS While the ocean exploration community continues to grow, despite its importance, the number of people exploring our ocean remains small. Given the immense breadth and scope of ocean exploration, no single person or organization could ever go i