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New Study Sets Ambitious Goal to Visualize the Deep Seafloor
Supported by the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, a new framework published today identifies 10,000 target locations for deep-sea exploration
A selection of the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goal targets with country Exclusive Economic Zones highlighted. Credit: Ocean Discovery League
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2026) — A new paper published today in Science Advances reveals a bold new roadmap of 10,000 strategically selected deep seafloor locations across the global ocean for visual exploration. The publication of this study marks a major milestone for National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, a multiyear series of scientific research expeditions that aims to reveal the impacts of environmental changes on our ocean and develop solutions to protect it.
Despite covering more than half of the planet’s surface, less than 0.001% of the deep seafloor has ever been visually observed. Led by National Geographic Explorer Katy Croff Bell and the Ocean Discovery League (ODL), this international effort aims to produce the first globally representative visual dataset of the deep ocean floor. This data will help scientists, policymakers and the public better understand the largest and least explored ecosystem on Earth, ultimately providing the essential evidence needed to safeguard our ocean and create long-term conservation strategies for its survival.
"This research provides the first scientifically rigorous and visual roadmap to bridge the massive gap in our understanding of the ocean, where more than 99% of the deep seafloor remains unseen," said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society. "Through Perpetual Planet Expeditions in partnership with Rolex, we are proud to support Explorers like Katy and her team who are advancing deep-sea exploration and providing the data the global scientific community needs to foster a more resilient planet."
Illuminating the Deep Sea Through Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions
The study’s framework has already been put into practice: the first two locations completed were surveyed during the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Southern Ocean Expedition, conducted in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute aboard its R/V Falkor (too). The surveys focused on the Drake Passage, a vital ocean gateway between South America and Antarctica, and the Powell Basin, a vast deep-sea plain located in the northwestern Weddell Sea. The expedition’s initial observations provided critical baseline data from one of the most remote and climate-vulnerable regions on Earth, proving that a coordinated, targeted approach can rapidly expand our visual understanding of the deep sea.
“Understanding the deep ocean is essential for informed decisions about biodiversity, climate and the sustainable management of marine resources,” said Bell. “With the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals, we now have a clear, actionable path toward a visual record that is truly representative of the deep seafloor in all its diversity. “
A Data-Driven Path to Discovery
The study utilized a probability-based, spatially balanced sampling design and global datasets to identify 10,000 priority locations for visual observation deeper than 200 meters. Key focus areas include:
- Closing the Data Gap: Increasing observations within the Abyssal Zone (the vast seafloor between 3,000 and 6,000 meters) by 455% and expanding exploration targets by 327% in the Arctic Ocean and by 247% in the Southern Ocean.
- Global Representation: Ensuring that the 10,000 target locations provide a more representative, accurate and comprehensive understanding of deep-sea biogeography worldwide.
- Open-Access Data: Showcasing the 10,000 target locations through ODL’s open-access interactive platform that allows the public and expedition planners to track progress as new observations are completed.
- Refining Scientific Models: Utilizing new data to improve global habitat classification methods and enhance the accuracy of environmental models.
- International Synergy: Contributing directly to major initiatives such as Seabed 2030 by coordinating mapping and imaging across all major ocean basins.
Target locations were identified based on characteristics including seafloor depth, formation over time and sediment composition. This effort aims to integrate these 10,000 targets into ongoing expeditions worldwide. These 10,000 targets will effectively double the number of unique locations that have ever been visually explored.
The publication of this study comes at a pivotal juncture in ocean protection, with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings determining regulations for deep-sea resource extraction and implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, which establishes the standards for Marine Protected Areas in international waters.
"The Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals are designed to transform how deep-sea research is conducted, through global cooperation and equitable capacity building," said Bell. "The result, over time, will be a more inclusive deep ocean community and a representative visual baseline of the deep seafloor that researchers everywhere can build from for decades to come."
This groundbreaking research is part of National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions. The program supports Explorers who are leading scientific research to better understand how Earth’s vital ecosystems are changing, identify solutions to protect them in partnership with local communities, and ignite a spark in the global scientific community to safeguard our planet for the future. Learn more here.
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About Perpetual Planet Expeditions
The Perpetual Planet Expeditions program, an expansion of National Geographic Society’s long-standing collaboration with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, supports expeditions to explore the planet’s most critical environments. By harnessing world-renowned scientific expertise and cutting-edge technology that reveal new insights about the systems that are vital to life on Earth, these expeditions help scientists, decision-makers, and local communities plan for and find solutions to the impacts of climate and environmental change while illuminating the wonder of our world through impactful storytelling.
About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
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