OCEAN EXPLORATION
Our vision is to transform the way we explore the ocean and transition our results to breakthrough products and technology.
The Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology (CIOERT) is led by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University (HBOI-FAU) with co-managing partner, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). CIOERT’S vision is to transform the way we explore the ocean and transition our results to breakthrough products and technology. CIOERT’s mission is to apply disciplined innovation to continually improve, extend, and fortify NOAA’s exploration, research, and operational capabilities. The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) is our primary NOAA partner and program office.
CIOERT serves NOAA/OAR Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) priorities in the following theme areas:
Develop advanced underwater technologies: CIOERT expands the scope and efficiency of exploration and research by developing, testing, and applying new and/or innovative uses of existing technologies to ocean exploration and research activities.
Explore and research the frontier regions of the eastern U.S. continental shelf and beyond: CIOERT focuses on exploration and research of ecosystems and habitats of economic, hazardous, scientific or cultural importance within and beyond the eastern U.S. continental shelf.
Improve understanding of vulnerable deep and shallow coral ecosystems: priority activities include supporting ocean exploration and research using advanced underwater technologies and techniques to improve the understanding of coral ecosystems.
Improve ocean literacy and build the technical and scientific work force in NOAA-relevant disciplines: education activities emphasize delivery of education and outreach experiences and products to a world-wide audience and classroom. University students, the work force of tomorrow, are exposed to ocean exploration and advanced technologies through hands-on, at-sea experiences, mentors, and world-class training programs.
MEET THE TEAM
Our scientist are at the heart of the CIOERT. They have been exploring and publishing marine research for up to four decades!
Joshua Voss Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Executive Director
Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Associate Director (Prior Ex. Director)
Daniel Baden,
UNCW
CIOERT Managing Director
M. Dennis Hanisak Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Education Director
Michael Twardowski, Ph.D.
HBOI-FAU
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Anni Dalgleish, Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Fraser Dalgleish, Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Mingshun Jiang, Ph.D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Primary Investigator
John Reed, MS.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Amy Wright, Ph. D.
FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Alina Szmant, Ph.D.
UNCW-CMS
CIOERT Primary Investigator
Stephanie Farrington, MS. FAU-HBOI
CIOERT Data Manager and Webmaster
OUR PARTNERS
We work with the very best. We are proud of our partners, who work with us to deliver the best in marine research and technology
OUR CAPABILITIES
No request is too big or too small for our team.
The CIOERT is involved in deep-sea and mesophotic research on vulnerable coral and sponge ecosystems. Most of our research in off the southeast United States, Caribbean, Cuba, Bahamas, Straits of Florida, Gulf of Mexico and beyond. We report our finding to the relevant Fisheries Management Councils and make scientifically based management recommendation.
The CIOERT focuses on the exploration of unknown ecosystems and habitats of scientific, geohazard, economic, or cultural importance.
We explore the nation’s ocean frontiers through innovative science and cutting-edge technologies. CIOERT is sponsored by NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research.
CIOERT is a partnership of FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of Miami, and SRI International.
- The CIOERT vision is to transform the way we explore the ocean and transition our results to breakthrough products and technology.
- The CIOERT mission is to apply disciplined innovation to continually improve, extend, and fortify NOAA’s exploration, research, and operational capabilities.
The CIOERT works to develop and transfer innovative underwater technology. Many of these innovations include new and upgraded deep submergence vehicles. Including funding the building of AUVs, HOV’s and ROV’s.
The CIOERT supports education and outreach activities that promote ocean exploration and research.
CIOERT’s research activities are focused in three main theme areas:
- Exploration of the eastern U.S. continental shelf
- Improving understanding of vulnerable sponge and coral ecosystems
- Developing advanced underwater technologies
In addition, CIOERT is dedicated to building education, outreach, and workforce development.