NOAA's Undersea Research Center for Hawaii and the Western Pacific region (HURL) supports undersea research primarily around the Hawaiian Islands, but includes work elsewhere in the Pacific. Facilities include Pisces IV and V, a 2000-meter capable, 3-person, 1-atmosphere submersible; RCV-150, a 1000-meter capable remotely operated vehicle (ROV); and R/V Ka' imikai-O-Kanaloa, a 220-foot dedicated support vessel with facilities for 19 scientists. Projects to date include Ocean Bottom Observatory monitoring of Loihi volcanic activity; the geology and biology of Loihi hydrothermal systems and of emerging and subsiding islands; deepwater precious coral reproduction & genetics; scavenger abundance in deep-sea canyons; bottomfish abundances in Marine Protected areas; seamount precious coral abundances; microbial association with volcanic rocks; association of endangered Hawaiian monk seals with precious coral habitats; deepwater ecology at Enewetak Atoll; pharmaceutical potential of marine organisms; baseline studies of Johnston Atoll waste disposal sites; effects of deep ocean disposal of sewage and dredge spoils; reproduction, development, and re-colonization studies; and Hawaiian fishery investigations.

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Updated: April 1, 2005