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T. `Aulani Wilhelm News Release 01 |
MONTH-LONG SCIENCE EXPEDITION TO HAWAII'S REMOTE ISLANDS AND ATOLLS BEGINS
Today, September 19, a team of scientists and educators will depart on a month long research expedition to conduct the first-ever, comprehensive mapping of the extensive coral reef system of the Northwestern Hawaiian islands. The 26-member team will conduct their mission aboard the vessel Rapture, operated by Certified Marine Expeditions.
The Rapture, and a sister vessel, the NOAA ship Townsend Cromwell (which departed on Sept. 8), will explore these remote archipelagos as part of a comprehensive, interagency effort of federal, state, university and conservation research agencies that have joined forces to assess the condition and health of the far-away coral reefs. These reefs represent almost 70% of all U.S. reefs.
The Townsend Cromwell will the lead the way, conducting tow-boarding Video assessments of vast reef areas and pinpointing sites that warrant further study. Researchers aboard the vessel Rapture will then follow-up with a closer assessment of these target areas using scientific transects and other data collection techniques. The first ever accurate and detailed maps of the NWHI and their reef habitats will also be produced from new satellite images and other remote sensing information.
As part of the expedition, a media and education
team, comprised of professional photographers, writers and educators will document
the research trip and will send, via satellite, daily news updates and images
to communities across Hawai'i and around the globe interested in getting a first-hand
glimpse of the rich wildlife, geology and historic artifacts found on these
rarely visited islands, islets and atolls.
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