Expedition to Hess Rise in the Northwest Pacific Begins

An international team of marine scientists has launched a deep-sea expedition to Hess Rise, a vast underwater plateau in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, marking a major step forward in understanding the region’s geology, biodiversity, and potential role in global carbon cycles. The expedition, announced by EurekAlert! on May 18, 2026, is supported by cutting-edge oceanographic technologies and aims to document previously unexplored ecosystems while advancing scientific knowledge of deep-sea processes.

The expedition targets Hess Rise, a submerged volcanic plateau roughly the size of Texas, located about 1,500 kilometers northeast of Japan. This region is of particular interest due to its unique geological features, including hydrothermal vents, seamounts, and deep-sea coral reefs. Researchers will employ remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to map the seafloor, collect biological and geological samples, and study microbial communities that may play a critical role in carbon sequestration.

One of the expedition’s key objectives is to investigate how deep-sea organisms contribute to Earth’s carbon cycle. Recent studies suggest that vertically migrating marine life—such as fish, shrimp, and jellyfish—transport carbon from surface waters to the deep ocean, where We see stored for centuries. The expedition will focus on the gut microbiomes of these animals, examining how biochemical processes in their digestive systems influence carbon storage. This research, led by Dr. Anitra Ingalls of the University of Washington and supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Ocean Biogeochemistry Virtual Institute, could provide critical insights into natural carbon-capture mechanisms.

The expedition also aligns with broader efforts to explore some of the least-studied regions of the ocean. The Southwest Atlantic, another focus of Schmidt Ocean Institute’s 2026 expeditions, has similarly revealed unexpected biodiversity and geological formations. By combining advanced robotics with biological and chemical analysis, researchers hope to uncover new species, map uncharted seafloor topography, and assess the ecological health of these remote environments.

Technologically, the expedition leverages state-of-the-art equipment, including multibeam sonar for high-resolution seafloor mapping and ROVs capable of operating at depths exceeding 6,000 meters. These tools, similar to those used in NOAA’s recent ROV shakedown off Hawai’i, will enable scientists to navigate challenging terrain and collect data in real time. The findings are expected to inform conservation strategies, deep-sea mining regulations, and our understanding of oceanic carbon sinks.

While the expedition is still in its early stages, preliminary data could reshape scientific models of deep-sea ecosystems and their role in climate regulation. The Northwest Pacific remains one of the most understudied oceanic regions, and Hess Rise, in particular, offers a rare opportunity to explore a largely untouched underwater landscape. As climate change accelerates, such research becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the need for sustained investment in ocean exploration.

For marine scientists, policymakers, and environmental advocates, the expedition represents a convergence of technological innovation and ecological discovery. The insights gained could influence global strategies for marine protection, carbon mitigation, and sustainable resource management in the decades ahead.