Environmental stewardship means building environmental protections into the way exploration is planned, conducted, and reviewed. For offshore mineral exploration, safeguards begin before vessels enter the water. Project teams review environmental data, identify sensitive areas, assess potential risks, and design measures to reduce disturbance. These measures can include defined operating areas, vessel operating procedures, environmental monitoring, reporting requirements, and

Ecosystem protection is a core part of responsible offshore exploration. Marine environments are dynamic and support a wide variety of species, including marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, fish, invertebrates, and sensitive habitats. Because different species use the ocean in different ways—and at different times of year—exploration planning considers when and where ecosystems may be most vulnerable and how activities can be managed to reduce potential disturbance. Protec

If scientific studies, environmental assessments and regulatory reviews ultimately support future development, offshore mineral recovery could contribute to economic activity across both coastal communities and the wider region. While exploration programs are comparatively small in scale, they create demand for marine services, logistics, scientific research, and environmental monitoring, supporting businesses both offshore and onshore. As activity expands, economic benefits

Responsible offshore mineral exploration relies on a diverse workforce with expertise spanning marine science, engineering, environmental management, logistics, and offshore operations. From scientists conducting environmental surveys to vessel crews, engineers, GIS specialists, hydrographers, and data analysts, a wide range of professionals contribute to improving our understanding of the offshore environment while evaluating potential mineral resources. Universities and res

Comments from the public are a very important part of the overall BOEM review process. Once the RFI has been published, there is a 30-day public comment period (which is sometimes extended) that allows interested and concerned parties to submit information and suggestions for BOEM’s consideration. BOEM considers public input an important part of its review process when evaluating potential mineral leasing. If you're unfamiliar with BOEM's Request for Information and Interes

Selecting an area for potential marine mineral exploration begins long before a request is submitted to regulators. Odyssey's proprietary Global Prospectivity (GP) Assessment evaluates geological, oceanographic, environmental, and geopolitical factors to identify areas that may warrant further scientific study. Rather than focusing solely on resource potential, the assessment also considers existing scientific information, ocean uses, and the broader regulatory environment.

Responsible offshore mineral resource development starts with a simple principle: decisions should be guided by evidence, not assumptions. Exploration provides the data needed to evaluate opportunities, risks, and potential impacts before any development decisions are made. Last year, Odyssey submitted an unsolicited request for a lease sale of marine mineral exploration and development rights to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The offshore area identified in O

Odyssey has submitted an unsolicited request asking the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to consider holding a lease sale that would authorize marine mineral exploration in a carefully selected offshore area off of the Virginia coast. Following its review of the request, BOEM initiated the first step in the process by publishing a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) to gather feedback from interested s

Under federal regulations, any individual, organization, or company may request that marine minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) be considered for leasing. BOEM may also independently identify areas of interest and seek input from interested stakeholders. BOEM may then evaluate a request, and then seek additional information and public input, which is where the RFI comes in. Before any lease is granted for offshore development, the agency first wants to know: Who

Critical minerals are the backbone of Americas industrial and manufacturing framework. These essential raw materials like titanium, zirconium, and other rare earth elements are key pillars of various American industries, supporting the nation’s economy, national security, and supply chain resilience. Used across several sectors, critical minerals are necessary in the construction of electric vehicles, defense and aerospace systems, electronics, renewable energy technology,

Part 1: Analytical Prospectivity Prospectivity Modelling at Odyssey takes many forms, depending on the type of minerals being mapped. This blog will explore Odyssey’s proprietary system called BAMCAN, a data-driven and GIS-based analytical approach to identifying polymetallic nodules from hull-mounted multibeam. BAMCAN, short for Backscatter Angle Range Map Cluster Analysis for Nodules, is an analytical method we developed as part of our broader Global Prospectivity process,

By Mark Mussett The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) once again brought together the global offshore energy and maritime community in Houston, Texas, from May 4–7, 2026. Founded in 1969, OTC has grown into one of the industry’s most significant convenings—ranking among the top 100 trade shows in the United States and one of the 50 largest meetings nationwide. Today, its global portfolio of events has welcomed more than three million professionals and continues to serve as

Odyssey CEO Mark Gordon speaking on the Development Opportunities & Challeneges Panel at the ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum on January 27, 2026. The last 72 hours have brought a wave of major policy announcements that are reshaping how the United States and its allies secure the critical minerals that power agriculture, advanced manufacturing, defense systems, and clean technologies. These developments directly align with Odyssey’s long‑term strategic vision and reinf

Deep below the ocean’s surface lie untapped resources that have the potential to transform societies and strengthen economies for generations to come—when developed responsibly. As the world transitions toward clean energy and sustainable agriculture, the demand for critical minerals is accelerating. These resources—cobalt, nickel, manganese, rare earth elements, phosphorite, and others—are essential for powering electric vehicles, supporting renewable infrastructure, and pro