OceanX Scientific Vessel Begins One Month Research Mission in Seychelles Waters
VICTORIA, Seychelles — OceanX, the global ocean exploration non-profit, launched its first expedition in Seychelles waters on Saturday January 13, bringing its advanced research and filming vessel OceanXplorer to Port Victoria for the start of a one-month mission. About 72 passengers were on board, including a team of 14 scientists from Seychelles. The expedition is a collaborative partnership between the Seychelles government and OceanX, and makes use of the multi-purpose platform for deep sea research, media production, and public engagement.
The local science team is drawn from the Department of Environment, the Seychelles Fishing Authority, the Seychelles Islands Foundation, the Save our Seas Foundation, the University of Seychelles, the Island Conservation Society, and other local researchers. SeyCCAT has confirmed its support for the work. According to the partners, the mission aims to address gaps in the systematic collection of benthic data by extending observations to depths of at least 1,000 metres, which will allow researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity patterns and how they vary with location and depth.
Baited Remote Underwater Video systems, better known as BRUVs, will be used to capture information on fish communities in the deep ocean at 300, 600, and 900-metre depths. Other parameters, including salinity, depth, temperature, and light penetration, will be measured in the water column. Multibeam echosounders will be used to capture benthymetric maps of the ocean floor, and the data will also be used to improve future navigation. The combined datasets will help clarify the role of these depths as environmental drivers in different ecosystems.
Other research streams will include visual monitoring of marine animals, birds, sea turtles, sharks and rays, and marine debris. Once the expedition is complete, the Department of Environment, together with its partners, will hold a joint press conference to provide an overview of the expedition and to set out post-expedition priorities. OceanX, an operating programme of Dalio Philanthropies, is recognised for its scientific research, cutting edge technology, experiential education, and accessible media, and describes itself as an advocate of ocean health globally.
Following the Seychelles leg, the non-profit will move into Southeast Asia, where OceanX will conduct missions in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and elsewhere. OceanX will be based in the region for several years, with the goal of contributing to the understanding of one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions and developing partnerships that support ocean education. The Seychelles-OceanX expedition is expected to provide invaluable data that will support the sustainable development of the Blue Economy and the governance of the country’s vast ocean territory, and to contribute to science both nationally and internationally.
