Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Honu Submersible to Debut in French Polynesia, 1,000m

8/13/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Honu submersible will debut in French Polynesia, reaching 1,000 m depth and staying for eight hours.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, chief scientist, says submersibles are safer than flying and notes that only 0.0001 % of the deep ocean has been observed and half of coral reefs have vanished.
She warns that U.S. President Donald Trump plans mining near American Samoa, weakens monument rules and backs a $5 billion oil project in Mexico.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Honu submersible will debut in French Polynesia, reaching 1,000 m depth and staying for eight hours.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, chief scientist, says submersibles are safer than flying and notes that only 0.0001 % of the deep ocean has been observed and half of coral reefs have vanished.
She warns that U.S. President Donald Trump plans mining near American Samoa, weakens monument rules and backs a $5 billion oil project in Mexico.