OceanX launches scientific research mission in Seychelles Islands |18 January 2024
The Seychelles team in a souvenir photograph on board OceanXplorer
On Saturday, January 13, 2024, OceanX launched its first expedition in Seychelles waters.
The OceanXplorer, the advanced research and filmmaking vessel used by OceanX to explore the ocean, departed Port Victoria for the outer islands in the afternoon with about 72 passengers including a team of 14 scientists from Seychelles.
The expedition is a collaborative partnership between the Seychelles government, and OceanX to make use of the multifaceted platform, OceanXplorer, for deep sea research. The Seychelles team comprises scientists from the department of Environment, Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), The Save our Seas Foundation Seychelles (SOSF), The University of Seychelles (UniSey), Island Conservation Society (ICS) and other local scientists. SeyCCAT has also confirmed its support towards the expedition.
Recognised for its robust scientific research, cutting-edge technology, experiential education, and accessible media, OceanX is an advocate of ocean health globally. Its mission is to support scientists to explore the ocean and to bring it back to the world through captivating media and in doing so protecting the oceans in order to drive positive change.
OceanX is an operating programme of Dalio Philanthropies(www.daliophilanthropies.org), which furthers the diverse philanthropic interests of the Dalio family members. Similar to past expeditions in our waters, the Seychelles-OceanX expedition will provide invaluable data that will support the sustainable development of the Blue Economy and the governance of Seychelles’ vast ocean territory.
More importantly, it will contribute to science nationally and internationally. During the one-month mission, local scientists with different specialties will explore and undertake research on different topics. The expedition aims to address gaps in the systematic collection of benthic data by extending observations to depths of at least 2000 metres, which will allow us to gain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity patterns and how they vary with location and depth.
Baited Remote Undervideos, better known as BRUVs will be used to capture information on fish communities in the deep ocean at 300, 600, and 900-metre depths. Furthermore, different parameters including salinity, depth, temperature, and light penetration will be measured in the ocean depths. Benthymetric maps of the ocean floor will be captured by a multibeam echosounders and the information will also be used to improve future navigations. These combined datasets will be used to better understand their roles as environmental drivers in the different ecosystems.
Other areas of research will include visual monitoring of marine animals, birds, sea turtles, sharks and rays as well as marine debris. Once the expedition is completed, the department of Environment together with its partners will conduct a joint press conference to provide an overview of the expedition and provide information on post expedition priorities.
After leaving Seychelles, the non-profit will be moving into Southeast Asia, where OceanX will conduct missions in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and more. 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.
For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow MACCE on Facebook and Instagram. OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
