| From September 5 - September 28, 2021, NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted mapping operations
on the Blake Plateau within U.S. waters, aiding in closing the gaps within this region.
The second of two cruises focused on mapping this region, EX-21-06 collected 25,800
square kilometers of bathymetry and associated water column data, 25,790 square kilometers
of which were within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and Territorial Sea deeper than
200 m. The exploratory mapping operations conducted during this cruise will provide
initial characterization of the region, as well as data to support further exploration
with remotely operated vehicles planned for EX-21-07. |