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Dive In To Ocean Exploration

Summary: 
We've only explored five percent of the ocean -- imagine what we'd find if we could explore even greater depths of Earth's final frontier.

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This summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research invites YOU to get involved in ocean exploration through two unique opportunities.

Follow Ocean Exploration LIVE: Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013

Between now and August 17, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, America’s ship for ocean exploration, will be exploring deep coral communities, undersea canyons, cold gas seeps, landslide features, and a seamount. Sound interesting? Good news: You can watch the action live right here.

Using satellite and high-speed Internet pathways, live video from cameras on the Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle and Seirios camera sled and lighting platform located thousands of meters deep on the seafloor is streamed to scientists and the public around the world. Scientists follow along online, providing input and helping to guide the expedition from shore. These same live video feeds are available online 24/7, so that anyone, anywhere can follow the exploration.

To learn more about the expedition, you can access daily updates, mission logs, photos and video clips, maps, and educational materials. You can also follow the expedition on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to keep up-to-date on the latest dive plans, operations, and discoveries.

Help Shape the Future of Ocean Exploration: Ocean Exploration 2020: A National Forum

On July 19-21, NOAA and the Aquarium of the Pacific will co-host Ocean Exploration 2020: A National Forum. This is the first-ever such event, bringing together top ocean explorers to help shape a national ocean exploration program in the coming decade.

While in-person attendance is by invite only, members of the online community will be able to watch sessions live and, using social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google+, will be invited throughout the forum to provide input to help define the future of ocean exploration. Your voice counts!

So this summer, follow along as we encounter fascinating marine life and ecosystems, witness active scientific exploration and investigation, and map the future of discovery in America's underwater territory. Get ready to dive in!

Emily Crum is the Managing Editor of oceanexplorer.noaa.gov