From Shore to the Abyss Exploration of Marine Mammal Communication, Shark Communities, Maritime Heritage, and Microplastic Pollution in the Main Hawaiian Islands

• Published in: Oceanography (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 36; pp. 40 - 41
• Main Authors: Wagner, Daniel, Hoffman-Kuhnt, Matthias, Agustines, Ariana, Miller, Rachael Z., Dunnavant, Justin, Raupp, Jason T., Fundis, Allison, Miller, Ian, Leonardo, Teresa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rockville Oceanography Society 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Careers; Communication; Expeditions; Islands; Mammals; Marine fishes; Marine mammals; Microplastic pollution; Microplastics; Multiship expeditions; Plastic pollution; Shallow water; Sharks; Underwater exploration
• ISSN: 1042-8275; 2377-617X

Wagner et al discuss the exploration of marine mammal communication, shark communities, maritime heritage, and microplastic pollution in the main Hawaiian islands. In 2022, the National Geographic Society and the Ocean Exploration Trust initiated a partnership focused on the scientific exploration of shallow-water habitats. The marine mammal team conducted two field research projects while onboard Nautilus. One project executed targeted surveys of marine mammal communication using a hand-held array that simultaneously collected video and multichannel audio data. The From Shore to the Abyss expeditions marked the inaugural year of what will hopefully become a long-standing collaboration to conduct at-sea expeditions that bring together the complementary capabilities of the National Geographic Society and the Ocean Exploration Trust, particularly the ability to engage a broad spectrum of the exploration community--including early career and highly accomplished explorers, local community collaborators, storytellers, and educators.