Since July 19, a crew on the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Okeanos ship has conducted regular surveys of the abyssal plains near the Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. And if your schedule is free later today, you can join the exploration. Camera 1: 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration (EX2605)“The cruise is a scientific exploration and mapping activity that supports the Cook Islands’ understanding of its deep ocean. The Cook Islands lack many natural resources apart from deep ocean minerals, and NOAA’s surveys are intended to help local Cook Islands representatives develop better plans for economic growth. The team is now working on the problem “with the hope that we’ll be back in the water soon.”