OUR MISSION
The technology exists. The science exists. What’s missing is you.
Ocean floor explorers around the world are doing remarkable work, but the ocean is vast. At today’s pace, it will take decades to see the whole seafloor. Map the Gaps accelerates exploration by empowering anyone, anywhere to take part.
Whether you’re a blue economy company, a foundation, a philanthropist, an expedition traveler or simply someone who loves the ocean, we turn your support into exploration of the ocean floor.
WHAT WE DO
Putting your support to work on the ocean floor.
Map the Gaps is a nonprofit that brings together the people, vessels and funding ocean floor exploration needs. With our supporters, we choose where to explore based on need and urgency, map the seafloor in high resolution, and share everything we find publicly.
Why it matters now
The world has committed to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, and the High Seas Treaty extends protection beyond national waters. None of it works without knowing what’s on the seafloor. Our data helps define marine protected areas, identify critical habitat and guide responsible ocean use.
Choose how you want to join the exploration
Every pathway gives you a say in what gets mapped. Choose the one that fits how you want to explore.
Hexplorer (Fall 2026)
Adopt a hex tile in the ocean using the Hexplorer App and be part of the exploration mission. New discoveries made in your hex are credited to you, the rewards and legacy are yours to keep (and brag about).
Shared Soundings
Your own vessel becomes part of the exploration mission itself. A plug-n-play data logger (Mussel Kit) quietly and anonymously measures the depths and shares them with our Cloud. Map the Gaps adds your soundings to the public database.
Expedition Partner
Bring a region, a research question or a fleet, and we’ll build an exploration project around it together. You set the goals. We bring the expertise, partners and technology.
Join our List of Ocean Floor Exploration Partners
Stay Connected to the Deep.
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