Earth's biodiversity has changed more rapidly over the past 50 years than at any time in human history. OER strives to understand the implications of its changes... read more
OER has been instrumental in funding deep ocean science to define five areas recently designated as deep water Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC)... read more
The OER Digital Atlas provides a central point of access to ocean exploration data collections. Search the map for cruises by year, theme, and/or cruise name... read more
The mission of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf Project is to establish the full extent of the continental shelf of the United States, consistent with international law... Read more...
NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer is the only U.S. ship assigned to systematically explore our largely unknown ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge... read more
Exploration advances the breadth of knowledge and Research advances the depth of knowledge.
Our Vision is that of a society that understands the importance of a healthy ocean to all life on Earth and is informed and inspired by discoveries that reveal the wonders, mysteries, and workings of the ocean.
Our Mission is to support national and NOAA objectives by exploring the Earth's largely unknown ocean in all its dimensions for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge, using state-of-the-art technologies in evolutionary and revolutionary ways.
Cutting-edge technologies and methodologies continue to be developed by the men and women dedicated to ocean exploration, but the potential of ocean exploration has only begun to be met. OER is investing in new technologies, in state-of-the-art platforms, undersea vehicles and infrastructure, in data and information management, in transmission networks, in research programs, and in the efforts to inform and educate society on the importance of a National program dedicated to ocean exploration and research. Through its important work, OER will certainly make discoveries and perform breakthroughs to the benefit of all life on Earth.
Go to OER Strategic Plan ...