Nekton | News Landing (nektonmission.org)
Image: Alex Rogers/Ocean Census
“As leaders from the global community convene at the Conference of the Parties (COP), simultaneous efforts led by scientists from The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Project and Spanish institutions will undertake a critical 21-day expedition exploring the depths off the coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands.
This Flagship Expedition, unfolding from 27th November to 17th December 2023, brings together a consortium of global experts to urgently catalogue new marine species at risk of extinction as part of the Ocean Census initiative.
The Macaronesia – Tenerife Submersible & Diver Expedition is a collaborative effort with the Jesús Ortea Research Group, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Tenerife (MUNA), Universidad de La Laguna (ECOMAR), and Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO). Macaronesia, a biogeographical region in the eastern-central Atlantic, spanning from the Azores to the Canary Islands, offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration and discovery due to its diverse marine ecosystem.
The Pisces VI submersible and the Finnish Scientific Dive Academy will explore the Radazul area and Tenerife’s volcanic coastline, respectively, documenting biodiversity and discovering new species. A a species discovery workshop featuring leading experts from the Ocean Census Science Network will enhance the expedition’s scientific impact.
This mission, supported by Ocean Census’s foundational partners, The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation, addresses the critical challenge of biodiversity loss. With an estimated 1-2 million species inhabiting our oceans, and 75-90% remaining undiscovered, the expedition’s significance cannot be overstated.
Leopoldo Moro, Expedition Science Co-Lead and taxonomist at the Jesús Ortea Research Group, emphasises the importance of initiatives like Ocean Census in promoting knowledge essential for implementing sustainable marine policies
The mission’s story will be told through compelling visuals and narratives, bridging the gap between scientific research and public advocacy. Daily social media updates, live educational broadcasts, and free resources for schools and students will ensure that the world is engaged and informed about this critical expedition.
For more information and to follow the expedition’s progress, visit the Ocean Census website.”