The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Nekton Maldives Mission commences dive into ocean depths

Anaan Bushry
12 September 2022, MVT 17:43
Two scientists from the Maldives and their American submersible pilot hold up the Maldivian flag as they make history by being the first people from the Indian Ocean nation to dive into the twilight zone on Sunday 11th September 2022 at Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Shafiya Naeem (R), Farah Amjad (L), and Kimly Do (C), are part of the Nekton Maldives Mission, a joint initiative by UK-based Nekton and the Maldives government to map, sample and gather data on ocean health which can inform policy makers both in the Maldives and beyond, as the climate crisis deepens. -- Photo: Nekton
Anaan Bushry
12 September 2022, MVT 17:43

A team of aquanauts have descended to the depths of the ocean in order to identify ways to attenuate the effect climate change has on the Maldives. Their descent took place on the afternoon of September 11 near Laamu atoll.

The historic team consists of three women. This is the first time a female-only team of aquanauts have ventured into the deep to conduct an ocean survey.

Submersible pilot Kimly Do, Shafiya Naeem and Farah Amjad, descend deep into the Indian Ocean aboard the Omega Seamaster II submersible on Sunday, 11th September, 2022 in Maldives -- Photo: Nekton

The research mission is a joint initiative between the Maldivian government and United Kingdom's Marine Research Foundation "Nekton". Director General of Maldives Marine Research Institute Shafiya Naeem was accompanied by Farah Ahmed, a research assistant from Nekton Maldives alongside submersible pilot Kimly Do on the initial dive of the ocean survey.

The research mission which commenced last Tuesday will run for 35 days. The study will involve a team of scientists and experts from various countries, will survey the oceans from the top surface layer (Epipelagic zone) to a depth of 1,000 meters.

The research mission is carried out by a total of 40 participants; 16 Maldivians (including 10 Maldivian scientists) and 24 foreigners.

The purpose of the study is to conduct a baseline health check of Maldives' oceans, gather information on deep-sea life and determine government policies to safeguard the oceans.

Share this story

Related Stories

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS