Component Programs
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
- Great Lakes Enviromental Research Laboratory
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
- National Sea Grant Program
- Ocean and Human Health Initiative
- Ocean Exploration and Research
- Office of Protected Resources
- Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
About ERP
ERP Parent Org's
What is NOAA's Ocean Exploration & Research Program?
NOAA's Ocean Exploration & Research Program (OER) is a recent conglomeration of the National Undersea Research Program (NURP) and the Office of Ocean Exploration (OE).
OER's goals are accomplished within the context of four activities: 1) Mapping and characterizing the physical, chemical, biological, geological, and maritime heritage aspects of the oceans; 2) Understanding ocean dynamics in new places and at new levels to describe the ocean’s complex interactions; 3) Developing new technologies, sensors and systems to better meet exploration objectives; and, 4) Conveying to the public how and why unlocking the secrets of the ocean will benefit current and future generations.
- OER funds expeditions to explore poorly-known and unknown areas and phenomena and provides baseline information to meet NOAA’s mission.
- OER facilitates expeditions by acquiring shiptime on NOAA's and other vessels, and by equipping "explorers" with cutting-edge equipment including Human Occupied Vehicles (HOV), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), sonar, and other sensors and systems from NOAA and its partners.
- OER engages audiences to advance America’s environmental literacy through the Ocean Explorer website, communicating discoveries through the media, developing lesson plans for educators, and disseminating information to NOAA archives.
- In 2008, OER will begin using the Okeanos Explorer, NOAA’s only ship dedicated to ocean exploration. Primary capabilities of this new research vessel include a deep water multibeam sonar system, a 6,000-meter science-class dual ROV system, and real-time data transmission using telepresence technology.
OER Vision & Mission:
Vision: A society in which citizens make informed decisions about ocean issues because they are inspired by the wonder and mysteries of the ocean and understand the ocean’s importance to all life on Earth. OER will be recognized as the Nation’s center of expertise for undersea research and exploration technology.
Mission: To support NOAA and national objectives by exploring our largely unknown ocean in all its dimensions for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge and increase knowledge essential for the wise use of oceanic, coastal, and large lake resources through advances in undersea exploration, sampling, observation, and experimentation.
