Oceanographic data and ROV dive-related multimedia and information collected during the EX1605L1 (CAPSTONE CNMI & Mariana Trench MNM (ROV & Mapping)) on NOAA Ship OKEANOS EXPLORER in the North Pacific Ocean from 2016-04-20 to 2016-05-11 (NCEI Accession 0155916)

This dataset contains oceanographic data collected in the waters around Santa Rita, Guam and Saipan. Operations used the ship’s deep water mapping systems, NOAA’s two-body 6000 m remotely operated vehicle, and the ship’s high-bandwidth satellite connection for real-time ship to shore communications. Daytime ROV dives were conducted and included high-resolution visual surveys and limited rock and biologic specimen sampling, as well as CTD casts to collect more environmental information at sites of interest. Exploration operations focused on deep-water areas around the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (MTMNM). This expedition helped establish a baseline of information in the region to catalyze further exploration, research, and management activities.