The 2015 RAMP Expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Embarks

A diver encounters a school of ulua aukea, or giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) while conducting a survey at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Tate Wester/UH-Mānoa

On July 27, 2015, the 2015 Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (RAMP) expedition departed to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands aboard NOAA Ship Hiʻialakai. Researchers will visit French Frigate Shoals, Midway Atoll and Lisianski Island within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to conduct various research activities, including:

• Monitoring reef fish, algae, corals and other invertebrates
• Coral studies
• Maritime Heritage Exploration

All of these research activities improve our understanding of the region's marine systems and features and help us to better manage the Monument.

Regular updates from the cruise will be posted on this page, as well as our Facebook site.

Expedition Log

Click on the date below to learn more about the daily events.

	July 28, 2015 Meet the Participants
	July 31, 2015 First Two Days at Sea and Entry Into Papahānaumokuākea
	August 3, 2015 Monitoring Sea Turtles by Moonlight
	August 12, 2015 Studying Coral Health In Papahānaumokuākea
	August 24, 2015 The QUEST – Mentoring the Next Generation of Marine Scientists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
	August 26, 2015 Diving into History By guest blogger Melissa Price