Exploring the Depths: An Underwater Expedition to Uncover the Mysteries of the Maldives

When envisioning the Maldives, thoughts often turn to luxurious overwater villas and pristine beaches. Despite being a sought-after vacation destination and a paradise for scuba divers, scientists assert that much remains unknown about the country’s underwater ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap and manage the impacts of the global climate crisis, the Maldivian government and UK marine research institute Nekton are embarking on a groundbreaking expedition – the Nekton Maldives Mission, set to launch on September 4.

Covering over 99% ocean and just 1% land, the Maldives is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, posing a significant threat to the nation. The mission aims to enhance understanding of the underwater environment, enabling informed conservation efforts and enhancing the Maldives’ resilience to climate change.

The Nekton Maldives Mission, spanning 35 days, will deploy two advanced submersibles, equipped to explore depths below 30 meters. The submersibles, including the REV Ocean-owned Aurelia and the Omega Seamaster 2, are designed to operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters and 500 meters, respectively.

A team of over 30 scientists from the Maldives and around the world, aboard the RV Odyssey expedition ship, will conduct extensive research, including species sampling, mapping operations, and coral assessments. The expedition will focus on uncovering the mysteries of the largely unknown and unprotected deep corals and reefs in the Rariphotic Zone, serving as a refuge for marine life.

Notably, the mission will mark the first descents led by ten Maldivian marine scientists, recognized as the inaugural “Maldivian Aquanauts.” Emphasizing the importance of coral reefs for reducing the impacts of sea level rise and supporting economies, the scientists aim to identify key habitats for protection and management.

The scientific initiative also aligns with the Maldives’ economic reliance on tourism, which constitutes about 28% of its GDP. By documenting and preserving the state of the country’s waters, the mission aims to support sustainable tourism development. Coral reefs are crucial for tourism and fisheries, acting as a defense against waves and storms, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

As the Maldives seeks to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, the Nekton Maldives Mission represents a pioneering effort to explore and safeguard the underwater realms, ensuring the preservation of marine ecosystems for future generations.