1. How were the 10,000 goal points selected?

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The targets were identified using a spatially balanced, probability-based sampling design that integrates four global-coverage seafloor characteristics: bathymetry, geomorphology, sediment composition, and particulate organic carbon (POC) flux to the seafloor. These variables address key physical, chemical, geological, and biological properties of the deep seafloor using data that are stable on decadal timescales. Historical deep submergence deployments from 1958 to 2024 were also incorporated to ensure that target locations do not overlap with previously observed sites. The resulting design is geographically distributed across the entire global deep seafloor, with higher concentrations of future targets in ocean basins, depth zones, and jurisdictional areas that are most underrepresented in historical observation records.

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Read the full methodology: "The Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals: A Representative Approach to Visually Observing the Deep Seafloor" — Science Advances.

 

2. What counts as completing a Goal point?

 

A valid observation requires visual confirmation of the seafloor collected anywhere within the defined 5 km buffer zone around the target location with associated metadata. At a minimum, submissions must include dive date and time, latitude and longitude, dive depth, and either at least five to six still images or two minutes of video clearly showing the seafloor within the buffer area. Basic environmental data, at minimum temperature and depth, is also required, along with contact information for the dive operator and science lead, and links to publicly available datasets or contact information for data not yet publicly available. Photography is sufficient; full ROV dives are not required. Visit our Data Policy for more information.

 

3. What tools are available to help factor the points into upcoming expedition plans?

 

ODL is developing an implementation guide and downloadable files to help with planning. Once you have identified targets within your operational area, the minimum data requirements and notification process are straightforward to integrate into existing expedition workflows. If you need assistance with planning or have questions about specific target locations, contact ODL at ahoy@oceandiscoveryleague.org for the point source files. 

 

4. What is the data permission strategy? Will data be open?

 

ODL strongly supports and encourages all participants to make data from completed Goal locations as open and accessible as possible. The minimum data required to confirm that a Goal target has been observed will be made publicly available. Additional datasets may be subject to separate data-sharing agreements.

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At the same time, ODL recognizes and respects indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge rights, national jurisdictional authorities and permitting frameworks, and the intellectual contributions of data collectors and institutions. Data ownership remains with the collecting organization. ODL will not redistribute full datasets without permission, sell submitted data, or re-license datasets without explicit agreement. View our full Data Policy here.

 

5. Will metadata follow FAIR principles?

 

Yes. The intent is to align fully with FAIR data principles — Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. At minimum, submissions include standardized metadata fields covering geographic location, depth, date and time, environmental data, and visual documentation. ODL does not require exclusive data hosting; linking to established repositories such as FathomNet, WoRMS, and OBIS is encouraged. As the initiative scales, the platform will move toward structured metadata schemas, persistent identifiers, interoperable formats, and clear licensing documentation.

 

6. What is the long-term goal?

 

The Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals aim to nearly double the number of unique seafloor locations ever visually explored, reduce geographic and methodological bias in deep-sea observation, and build the first globally representative visual baseline of the deep seafloor. The resulting dataset will enable new ecological discoveries, support the identification of biogeographic patterns, and improve our understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem function, and environmental change in previously unseen regions. These data will serve as a critical foundation for conservation planning, resource management, and climate science and will contribute directly to global repositories and ongoing international initiatives. Beyond the scientific outcomes, this effort aims to broaden who participates in deep-ocean science and build the infrastructure and human capacity needed in regions that have historically had limited access to deep-sea research.

 

7. Is this focused only on the high seas, or does it include EEZs?

 

The Goals include both the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Historically, only 20% of deep-seafloor observations have occurred in the high seas, despite the high seas occupying 65% of the global deep-seafloor area. The Goals sampling design yields 5,684 targets in the high seas (56.8%) and 4,316 targets within EEZs (43.2%) distributed across the EEZs of 170 different coastal nations and territories. Work within EEZs must comply with national laws, permits, and local research partnerships.

 

8. How will the interactive map handle data display?

 

Upon verification, a completed point will update its status to "Completed" in the platform and display expedition metadata, including the contributing organization, expedition name, and completion date. Each completed Goal will include either a direct link to the public data repository or contact information for the participating organization for follow-up data access requests. Preview imagery will be shown where permitted. No raw datasets will be hosted directly by ODL unless explicitly agreed upon. Contributors retain flexibility regarding how much of their data is displayed directly versus linked externally. ODL will also collaborate with contributing organizations on media announcements tied to target completion.

 

9. How does this initiative support other global mapping and sampling efforts?

 

The Goals are intentionally designed to integrate with and amplify existing efforts. Visual characterization of the seafloor complements seafloor mapping programs such as Seabed 2030, biodiversity discovery efforts such as Ocean Census, and biological sampling programs such as Challenger 150. Our analysis shows that 26.54% of globally distributed target locations already overlap with areas mapped using multibeam bathymetry. Expanding visual surveys in tandem with bathymetric mapping will enhance the scientific value of both. The Goals focus specifically on expanding representative visual coverage, filling a gap that no current global initiative directly addresses.