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A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) imaged a previously unexplored portion of the seafloor in ultra-deep waters near the Mariana Trench. Operationalizing this technology for the first time was part of a mission led by the (OECI), based at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Built by New England-based startup Orpheus Ocean, this small-footprint AUV is advancing our understanding of some of the planet's least explored regions at water depths up to 11,000 meters (6.8 miles). OECI has worked together with NOAA, BOEM, and USGS to better understand the unique and remote areas of the deep sea.

Recently, their combined efforts have focused on environments and geological features that may contain polymetallic nodules, which are of interest to marine scientists and resource managers alike due to their unique geochemical properties.

Interest in understanding deep-ocean areas that may host marine critical mineral deposits has highlighted how little we know about these deposits and the deep sea, which is still largely unexplored. Collecting seafloor data, observations, and samples that are necessary for understanding and managing these resources is made challenging by the extreme water depths, great distances from shore, and the cold temperatures and high pressures at the seabed.

"It is critical to collect the data that allows us to understand the distribution of deep sea mineral deposits and the unique ecosystems associated with them. OECI is perfectly situated to collaborate with Federal agencies and the private sector to advance important deep sea technologies. The greatest need right now is baseline data, which requires very specialized tools" says Adam Soule, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography professor of oceanography and OECI executive director.

As part of a larger expedition to expand our knowledge of the seafloor, the OECI partnered with Orpheus Ocean to field-test their new AUV east of the Mariana Trench. The AUV successfully completed several dives to depths exceeding 5,600 meters (3.5 miles), including imaging polymetallic nodules on the seafloor.

Orpheus technology provided the first direct observations of these sites, which were selected by USGS experts who predicted that nodules would likely be found in the area. This expedition thus helps NOAA, USGS, and BOEM refine their understanding of the resources that they are tasked with characterizing and managing.

Ocean Exploration Trust's (OET) expedition platform Exploration Vessel Nautilus, was used for this mission and Nautilus has played a key role in mapping and exploring the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Central and West Pacific Ocean in collaboration with NOAA and the OECI.

"In order to responsibly manage the deep sea and its resources, we must leverage public-private partnerships and emerging technologies to gather critical baseline information about the seafloor," said Aurora Elmore, NOAA Ocean Exploration program manager.

"The abyssal plain visited on this mission is one of the least-known areas on Earth. The data and images compiled help us to refine our seafloor prospectivity maps. Mission by mission, we are filling in the details of the map and building knowledge of where seafloor minerals may be found and their geologic and oceanographic setting," said Amy Gartman, lead of the USGS Global Seabed Mineral Resources Project.

A predecessor to Orpheus Ocean's AUV was originally developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Orpheus Ocean, a startup company founded in 2024, aims to expand access to these unique, small-footprint robots to supercharge our ability to collect meaningful data that can ensure sound policy decisions about these unique environments.

"Orpheus Ocean prioritizes work with government, research institutions, and other groups dedicated to advancing science, conservation, and understanding of the deep ocean, and this expedition is a great example of that," said Jake Russell, CEO and co-founder of Orpheus Ocean.

Since its formation in 2019, OECI has been led by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography in collaboration with WHOI, OET, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Southern Mississippi. The collective ability to develop and test new technology, partner with industry, advance ocean science, and develop the next generation blue economy workforce has been central to the success of this partnership.

"NOAA's partnership with OECI has provided a strong return on investment. The ability to quickly mobilize assets to address national priorities, such as examining critical minerals in U.S. waters, reflects the benefits of building a strong, collaborative foundation of resources, experience, and expertise," commented acting NOAA Ocean Exploration Director Captain Bill Mowitt.