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

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)

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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.…