Nekton Maldives Mission commences dive into ocean depths

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.

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.