Research Area and Capabilities
Often called the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs support an extraordinary diversity of marine life, providing habitat and shelter for about 25% of all ocean species. Coral reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage, support fishing industries, and fuel tourism around the world. Beyond their ecological and economic value, coral reefs offer potential medical treatments for cancer, infections, and other diseases. Preserving them is essential for not only the ocean’s health, but also humanity’s future.
Despite their remarkable biodiversity, coral reefs cover just 1% of the ocean floor. Their limited distribution means they are often scattered across remote, hard-to-reach areas. With many of these complex ecosystems submerged at varying depths, studying coral reefs can be resource-intensive and require specialized equipment. In addition, rapid environmental changes, such as coral bleaching, can occur without warning, making it difficult to track and respond to their shifting health.
Outfitted with submersibles, remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), and a full suite of high-tech research tools, the OceanXplorer acts as a floating laboratory, equipping local researchers with the capabilities needed to access and study these fragile environments. Led by local scientists, mission teams leverage precision sonar, hyperspectral imaging, dive teams, and onboard labs to map and monitor reef systems, collecting data vital to better understand their resilience and inform timely decision-making that protects them.
Establish baseline ecological data for reef systems in remote or under-studied regions.
Monitor changes in coral cover, bleaching, and biodiversity.
Support MPA planning and adaptive management with fine-scale spatial and biological data.
Shallow-Water Mapping: Using the Otter USV and Metal Shark tender equipped with Kongsberg multibeam sonar, LiDAR, and hyperspectral cameras to map reef topography and complexity from 0–400m depths.
SCUBA-Based Surveys: Conducting visual assessments, biological sampling, and in situ observation of coral, invertebrate, and fish populations.
Photogrammetry & 3D Modeling: Capturing ultra-high-resolution images for 3D reconstruction of reef structures to monitor change over time.
Onboard Laboratory Analysis: Conducting microscopy and molecular analysis of samples in the OceanXplorer's wet and dry labs.