NOAA Ocean Exploration and its partners will conduct two seafloor mapping expeditions in waters around American Samoa between August and October 2026 to assess offshore critical mineral potential.
The first expedition will run from August through September aboard NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer and use a remotely operated vehicle, while the second will take place from late September through October.
Real-time operations using advanced mapping technology and observation sensors will be streamed online daily, providing data for decision-makers.
“NOAA is dedicating our resources to providing scientific research and data that supports commerce,” said NOAA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Erik Noble. He said the agency was linking scientific discoveries with data that industry and government could use to support economic development.
American Samoa has been designated the highest-priority region within the US exclusive economic zone because of significant industry interest and the potential presence of polymetallic nodules.
Acting Director of NOAA Ocean Exploration Captain William Mowitt said open exploration would provide scientific data to support decisions on management of the marine environment and its resources.
The research forms part of the US offshore critical minerals mapping plan, executive orders on offshore resource development and national ocean mapping strategies.
The missions build on a 2026 project that mapped more than 30,000 square nautical miles (102,897 square kilometres), as well as two expeditions conducted aboard exploration vessel Nautilus.