Deep-sea expedition explores the waters of American Samoa

NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners entered the final planned week of remotely operated vehicle dives around American Samoa, according to a September 7 expedition update.

Earlier dives explored the northern flank of Tutuila Island and an abyssal plain in the Samoa Basin. Researchers observed corals, sponges, fish and other animals, alongside volcanic rocks and sedimented surfaces.

The team planned further dives on seamounts and abyssal plains to characterise deep-ocean geology and biology. The vessel was scheduled to begin travelling to Suva, Fiji, on September 12, with arrival on September 17. NOAA cautioned that dive dates and locations could change.