Going 1,000 meters underwater, a first of its kind mission in the Maldives

Maldivian scientists are rolling up their sleeves for a never before attempted expedition 1,000 feet deep into the Indian Ocean. The leader of the science team behind the undertaking, Shafiya Naeem went on to affirm that they have no idea what they will see 1,000 meters under. The expedition that they are training for, if pulled off, will bring new insight in marine research that would change the nation’s history.

Shafiya has been in the field of aquaculture for more than 22 years, currently in the position of Director General at Maldives Marine Research Institute. In 2002, after completing her studies she joined the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture as her first job. She got the opportunity to go for aquaculture studies. She then decided to go further in that direction, ending up at the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI).

The Maldives waters had been researched even before the institute was formed. However, most research wasn't carried out with the Maldivians at the helm. The foundation of MMRI gave the opportunity for locals to participate in the research of marine life.

"Today we see young people going for further studies in this area and coming back to work in the field. It is a big achievement," Shafiya said.

As a result, a team of Maldivian scientists and the UK's Nekton group are currently about to conduct the largest marine research study yet in the Maldives. The expedition's goal is to gain knowledge about how to lessen the problems brought on by the global climatic changes. There are 16 Maldivians on "The Nekton Maldives Mission," some of them scientists.

Shafiya and Farah Amjad, a Research Assistant for Nekton, will be the first aquanaut duo to dive underwater to begin the research. Kimley Door, a Submersible Pilot, will round out the crew for the research mission's initial dive. This would be the first time ever, globally, for an all-female team to conduct a research project of this magnitude.

Findings of past marine research concluded at 150 meters underwater brought on the discovery of new marine species along with an abundance of important knowledge. The hope for this mission is similar with the intent to discover more.

"Since no research has been done at such a deep level, we are hopeful that we will discover new marine life and ecosystems that live and thrive in such a depth," Shafiya said.

The marine life research of the Maldives is currently limited to the findings at accessible areas and reef scape that surround the atolls.

Before the ice melted in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) that occurred about 20,000 years ago, scientists who conducted the research approximated that the beach line of the Maldives would be visible 120 meters down. They were able to find out the adaptations of the marine ecosystems with the aftermath of the sea levels rising.

This research would be important know-how with the accelerated levels of the sea rising. The research will also investigate how marine life at the surface would adapt for survival with the global warming crisis.

With the rising sea levels, the health of coral ecosystems at such a deep level is important to find out as the reefs play an important role in protecting low-lying island nations.

Information about the research

A baseline checkup of the health of the marine ecosystems that lie at 1,000 meters under water would determine the government policies that need to be realigned with the protection of marine life.

To find out whether the 40 species of sharks and 18 species of rays who are at the top of the food chain of the Maldivian marine life, populate at such depth.

Out of 100,000 seamounts worldwide with a height of more than 1000m, only 300 seamounts biological samples have been taken. The Maldives has 34 such seamounts which would be mapped and documented in the research.

This would be the first time the North Indian seamounts would be documented.

The research team would include nationals from the United Kingdom, Seychelles, India, South Africa, Sri-Lanka and other European nationalities along with the Maldives.

Scientists will voyage in a "submersible", a craft designed to voyage into the ocean depths which will also assist in documentation and sampling.

"I am very excited to embark on this pivotal research that is needed for the Maldives. We will be submerging into a depth without light and which has never been attempted before. It is a proud moment for me, to be able to gather this knowledge for the Maldives with an ambitious team", Shafiya said.