NOAA Ocean Exploration Releases Biological Occurrence to OBIS and GBIF

[Christa Rabenold - NOAA Affiliate]

Hi SCB Marine Program List,

To maximize the reach and scientific impact of their deep-sea data, NOAA Ocean Exploration is making their biological occurrence data available in global databases. In May 2026, they shared datasets from three remotely operated vehicle expeditions off the U.S. West Coast and Alaska on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in 2023 via the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). NOAA Ocean Exploration intends to make the submission of biological data from expeditions on Okeanos Explorer to OBIS and GBIF a regular part of their data workflow. They’re also revisiting past expeditions to make sure those data are available through these databases to accelerate discovery; address research, management, and policy needs; and improve the collective understanding of our global ocean.

We hope you find these data useful.

Regards,

Christa Rabenold