Updates
Endurance 23 Recovery Cruise Returns to Newport with All Goals Met
September 25, 2025The OOI Endurance Array Team has much to be proud of during this cruise. Skilled, dedicated, creative, and hardworking, the team has successfully met, and exceeded, the objectives of the Fall 2025 Recovery Cruise. Over the past 15 years, together with colleagues across the OOI, the team has built and operated the NSF OOI Endurance Array. The data collected by this array will continue to enable ocean research for many…
A Close Look at Life from the Sea
September 25, 2025
During recovery operations, moorings often bring unexpected visitors from the deep. Here, a team member pauses on deck with a sea anemone – a small reminder of the diverse and fascinating marine life connected to the Endurance Array.
Sunset at Sea
September 25, 2025
Among the many rewards of time at sea are the views. This cruise offered several stunning sunsets, each a reminder of the beauty of the Pacific and the unique perspective gained while working offshore.
Sea Lion Visitors
September 25, 2025
Sea lions are a familiar sight during Endurance Array operations – and frequent visitors to the buoys. These playful but persistent “cute nemeses” find the platforms irresistible places to lounge. While they sometimes complicate recovery work, they’re also a lively reminder of the vibrant marine life that calls these waters home.
Relaxing on Deck
September 25, 2025
Exceptional weather has been a highlight of this cruise. After a full day of recovery operations, several members of the Endurance Array team enjoyed a quiet moment on deck, relaxing after supper and watching the early fall sunset. These pauses are a reminder that life at sea isn’t only about hard work — it also offers time to appreciate the ocean and the beauty that surrounds it.
Safety Meets Style on Deck
September 25, 2025
Even while showing off the latest from his 2025 summer collection, deck lead Alex keeps safety first with the essentials: hard hat, boots, and work vest. It’s a reminder that aboard the Coastal Endurance Array recovery cruise, safety is always the top priority – but there’s still room for a little personality on deck.
Buoy Climb on Deck
September 25, 2025
Once a buoy is safely brought on deck, the recovery isn’t quite finished. A member of the team climbs the buoy to pull the winch recovery line, an essential step to fully secure and disconnect the mooring system.
Buoy Approach
September 25, 2025
A typical recovery of a Coastal Surface Mooring begins by hooking into the buoy and releasing the mooring from its anchor. The mooring is then carefully brought aboard through the ship’s stern A-frame. The anchor remains on the seafloor during this process and is recovered separately at a later stage. This approach allows the science team to safely and efficiently bring in the buoy, sensors, and riser components while maintaining…
PacWave North and Southwest Anchors Recovered
September 25, 2025The Fall 2025 Coastal Endurance Array Recovery Cruise (SR2520) focused on PacWave operations today, completing recoveries of the PacWave North and PacWave Southwest anchors with their chains and conducting a multibeam survey to identify the location of the PacWave West anchor for upcoming work. Highlights Recovered PacWave North anchor, 110 m of chain, and 20 m of synthetic line. Recovered PacWave Southwest anchor, 120 m of chain, and synthetic line…
Recovery Operations Wrap Up as Cruise Heads Home
September 24, 2025The Fall 2025 Coastal Endurance Array Recovery Cruise (SR2520) successfully completed the recovery of the Washington Offshore Profiling Mooring (CE09OSPM-00022) riser and anchor. In the afternoon, the team conducted ROV-assisted attempts to recover anchors from the Washington Inshore mooring and CSPP, though these efforts were only partially successful. With deck secured, the ship began transit south toward Newport, Oregon. Highlights Recovered CE09OSPM-00022 buoy, subsurface sphere, riser components, and anchor. Completed…