NOAA Releases First Seafloor Nodule Images from Waters Near American Samoa
Summary
NOAA has released the first images of geologic seafloor samples collected from federal waters in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) beyond American Samoa, as part of a hydrographic survey project to map and characterize more than 30,000 square nautical miles of seabed. Box core samples were collected on April 14, 2026, at a depth of 5,498 meters (3.42 miles), revealing presumed polymetallic nodules. The collection effort implements the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan established by Executive Order 14285, with USGS scientists conducting compositional analyses expected to be released early summer 2026.
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NOAA released the first seafloor images and box core samples from a deep-sea mapping survey covering more than 30,000 square nautical miles of federal waters in the U.S. EEZ near American Samoa. The samples, collected at 5,498 meters depth on April 14, 2026, reveal presumed polymetallic nodules potentially containing manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements. This work is conducted under the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan established by Executive Order 14285, with USGS analyzing sample composition for release early summer 2026.
Companies and agencies monitoring offshore mineral development should note that the mapping data will serve as foundational inputs for BOEM's future leasing and environmental review processes. While no regulatory actions or compliance obligations arise from this announcement, the data collection phase represents an early step toward potential future offshore mineral activities in the region. Energy and manufacturing companies concerned with critical mineral supply chain resilience may wish to track USGS analysis results when released.
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Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
NOAA releases first images of nodules from waters near American Samoa
New images and samples were collected during 2026 efforts to map and characterize the seafloor in federal waters off American Samoa
Focus areas: Research Ocean & Coasts Topics: mineral development deep seabed mining Share: Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share by email )
April 17, 2026
Image of geological samples from the seafloor that were collected via box core on April 14, 2026, in U.S. waters off American Samoa. (Image credit: USGS)
NOAA released today the first images of geologic seafloor samples from a hydrographic survey project to map and characterize more than 30,000 square nautical miles of federal waters in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) beyond the territorial waters of American Samoa. The box core samples will allow for further analysis to understand the composition of deep sea resources and the environments in which they are found.
“NOAA’s mapping missions serve as a reminder that ocean exploration is a vital piece of our nation’s economic development,” said NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, Ph.D. “These images highlight the outstanding work of our NOAA team and partners to characterize the seafloor, and the data gathered during this historic project will enable science-based decision-making to support responsible development.”
The new images were collected as part of a Department of Commerce initiative to implement the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan as defined by President Trump’s Executive Order 14285: Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources. In developing the mapping plan, NOAA, in consultation with the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) identified the federal waters near American Samoa as a priority area of the seabed for mapping and analyzing nodules that may contain critical minerals.
“NOAA’s work to map and characterize these areas reflects the strength of interagency collaboration under President Trump’s Executive Order to unleash America’s offshore critical minerals,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. “For BOEM, NOAA’s high-resolution mapping and characterization are essential inputs that will provide the foundational data needed to assess resource potential, inform leasing and environmental reviews, and reduce uncertainty as we evaluate future offshore mineral activities in a responsible, science-based manner.”
As the mission remains underway, images of the seafloor and box core samples will be posted online on a rolling basis, serving as an initial indication of mineral resource potential and the deep-ocean marine environment in the federal waters off American Samoa. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct analyses of the seafloor composition, which will enhance scientific understanding of the deep seabed in the region and inform future exploration and activities related to deep seabed minerals. USGS plans to release the initial analyses from this work early this summer.
Presumed polymetallic nodules on the seafloor off American Samoa at a depth of 5,498 meters (3.42 miles) prior to the collection of a box core. (Image credit: NOAA) Download Image
“USGS is excited for the opportunity to study the composition of these unique mineral samples in U.S. waters within the Samoa Basin,” said Ned Mamula, director, USGS. “We will continue providing the actionable science our partner agencies need for decision-making.”
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is leading the project contract, with NOAA Ocean Exploration, BOEM, and USGS providing additional scientific expertise and guidance.
About deep seabed mineral development
Deep seabed mining is the extraction of nodules containing critical minerals from the ocean floor. Some regions of the deep seabed contain an abundance of valuable resources like manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements. Critical minerals are used in everything from defense systems and batteries to smartphones and medical devices and are increasingly important components for American manufacturing. Access to these minerals is a key factor in the resilience of U.S. supply chains. Learn more by visiting NOAA’s National Ocean Service website.
Media contact
NOAA Ocean Service Public Affairs at oceanservicepress@noaa.gov
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