Deep Discoverer investigates an extrusion of tar from the seafloor. Credit: NOAA OER
The mission of the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (GFOE) is to develop the capabilities and foster the relationships necessary to be a global presence in the world of ocean exploration, as well as an international resource for our partners. Through our work in the deep sea, we help society to understand, interpret and protect this critical ocean environment. We empower the underwater science community with the tools and expertise required to explore the greatest depths of the planet’s largest and deepest bodies of water.
GFOE trains the ocean exploration workforce, not only for the national ocean exploration program, but for the community at large. We identify and develop career paths for young engineers that allow them to experience an end-to-end process of undersea technology design through application. We are also committed to supporting filmmakers who can tell the stories of our ocean, helping to increase public awareness and appreciation of the underwater environment.
GFOE is a 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
To achieve our mission, we:
- Work with public and private organizations, as well as academic institutions to identify, train, nurture and employ the engineers that will design and implement the ocean exploration technologies of tomorrow.
- Facilitate partnerships between NOAA and existing/new stakeholders to foster and support ocean exploration activities worldwide.
- Identify and support engineering innovation for deployment to the oceans wherever it may germinate – within industry, academia, or from public and private institutions.
- Interface with governments as necessary and appropriate to open the oceans everywhere to exploration, en route to their sensible, sustainable use.
