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Windows to the Deep 2021: A Firsthand Account

December 17, 2021

Find out what NOAA scientists discovered when they explored the Blake Plateau during the latest ocean exploration expedition, Windows to the Deep 2021.

Big fin squid Big fin squid. Credit: NOAA
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Allen Collins in control center
Allen Collins in control center during the Windows to the Deep expedition. Credit: NOAA

NOAA Fisheries biologist Allen Collins was the co-science lead for the Windows to the Deep 2021 ocean exploration expedition. He and his expedition colleagues were on a cruise for more than 3 weeks, exploring the Blake Plateau off the Southeast coast. They got to see species and parts of the ocean that no one has even seen before. 

Some of the amazing sights included: 

  • Corals mounds that are thousands of years old

  • Potentially new species of comb jelly

  • Rarely seen Bigfin squid

Windows to the Deep 2021: A Firsthand Account

Find out what it was like to be on the boat, directing the remotely-operated vehicle, and working as a team for more than 20 days at sea.