Science

Papahānaumokuākea is one of the last large marine ecosystems on Earth where nature still sets the rhythm. Protected from many direct human impacts, its reefs support thriving communities of corals, fishes, and invertebrates, and are home to powerful predators such as sharks and ulua or giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis). It is a place where natural processes shape the landscape, and where scientists are still discovering new species and habitats.

Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary's science program helps us understand how these ecosystems function, how they are changing, and what they need to remain resilient. Researchers conduct field expeditions across shallow reefs, deep-sea habitats, and coastal environments to map seafloor features, survey marine life, and monitor long-term trends. This work also helps scientists assess damage from storms and other disturbances, evaluate ecosystem recovery, and guide management decisions that protect and restore natural habitats.

The findings from this research deepen public understanding of Papahānaumokuākea and support the sanctuary's role as a living laboratory—spanning predator-rich reefs, mysterious deep waters, and the dynamic shorelines that connect mauka to makai (land to sea).

Marine Operations

Learn how NOAA uses research vessels, scuba diving, remotely operated vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies to conduct research in the sanctuary.

Species and Habitats

Learn about the connected habitats within Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary and the species that depend upon them.

Beyond the Blue

136,685 square kilometers (52,774 square miles) of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument were mapped during three expeditions conducted by NOAA Ocean Exploration, increasing the monument’s modern mapping coverage by approximately 9%.