Luʻuaeahikiikapapakū - Exploring Ancient Volcanoes in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

ROV dives return again with the first-ever seafloor exploration of the Wentworth Seamount chain in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument! This expedition is the second of a series of expeditions collaborating with the PMNM team to better understand the largest conservation area under the US flag. Learn about the biological importance and cultural significance of coral communities across these ancient seamounts from Co-Lead Scientist Dr. Christopher Kelley and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group member Kalama’ehu Holden Takahashi. Dives will also investigate the tiny microbes of exceptional diversity found across the rocky seafloor landscape with Dr. Beth Orcutt. Bring your questions for the team!