Odyssey Marine Exploration Completes Phase One of "Symphony" Project

TAMPA, Fla.--(Business Wire)--
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM:OMEX), pioneers in the field of
deep-ocean shipwreck exploration, recently completed the first phase of survey
in the search area code named "Symphony". The work was conducted under a
government permit in an exclusive claim area and in conjunction with a project
partner. Results of the survey are being analyzed and compiled into a report
which will be provided to the government before the next phase of work is
commenced. Preliminary review of the data suggests that four shipwrecks have
been located in the phase one search area, but at this point, none of the sites
have been conclusively identified.

"This new search area has long been considered a target-rich environment for
valuable shipwrecks and we`re thrilled to have the opportunity to work here in
cooperation with the government," said Greg Stemm, Odyssey CEO. "Research
suggests that at least two shipwrecks in the `Symphony` area are commercial
vessels with significant cargoes of gold coins, which are very hot commodities
today in the collector market."

The expedition was conducted by the Odyssey search team on a chartered vessel.
To protect the security of the search area, specific location details are not
being released at this time. Proceeds of any recoveries from this search area
will be split with the government and project partner with an anticipated 78% of
the gross income of the project retained by Odyssey.

About Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM:OMEX) is engaged in the exploration
of deep-ocean shipwrecks and uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art
technology to conduct extensive search and archaeological recovery operations
around the world. Odyssey discovered the Civil War era shipwreck of the SS
Republic in 2003 and recovered over 50,000 coins and 14,000 artifacts from the
site nearly 1,700 feet deep. In May 2007, the Company announced the historic
deep-ocean treasure recovery of over 500,000 silver and gold coins, weighing 17
tons, from a Colonial era site code-named "Black Swan." In February 2009,
Odyssey announced the discovery of Balchin's HMS Victory. The Company also has
other shipwreck projects in various stages of development around the world.

Odyssey offers various ways to share in the excitement of deep-ocean exploration
by making shipwreck treasures and artifacts available to collectors, the general
public and students through its webstore, exhibits, books, television,
merchandise, and educational programs.

Odyssey's operations are the subject of a Discovery Channel television series
titled "Treasure Quest," which is produced by JWM Productions. The 12-episode
first season aired in the US and the UK in early 2009 and is scheduled to air
worldwide throughout 2009. Production on a second season is underway.

Following previous successful engagements in New Orleans, Tampa, Detroit, and
Oklahoma City, Odyssey's SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is currently on exhibit
at Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC. Additional information is available at
www.discoveryplace.org.

For details on the Company's activities and its commitment to the preservation
of maritime heritage please visit www.shipwreck.net.

Odyssey Marine Exploration believes the information set forth in this Press
Release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Certain factors that
could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements are set forth in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008,
which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.
Liz Shows, 813-876-1776 x 2335
lshows@shipwreck.net

Copyright Business Wire 2009