On this day in 2022, Maldivian aquanauts Shafiya Naeem and Farah Amjad made history by becoming the first people from the world’s lowest-lying nation to descend deep into the twilight zone! Piloted by Kimly Do, they investigated the wall of coral and marine life along the east coast of Laamu at varying depths from 60 metres, through a 120 metre deep survey to the darker depths of 250 metres. The exploration was part of the #NektonMaldivesMission with the Maldives Marine Research Institute. The scientists were especially interested in the interconnectivity between corals and marine species living near the surface and at greater depth. Find out more about their descent: https://nektonmission.org/news/maldives-aquanauts-historic-maiden-dive/ (fb)

On this day in 2022, First Descent Maldives began! The 35-day expedition was a joint initiative with Maldives Marine Research Institute to map, sample and gather data from the surface to 1000m. This was the first comprehensive survey and sampling of the Maldives deep ocean, to aid in informing marine protected area designation. Since the Mission, work has continued... This year, Nekton and Maldives scientists have published research on the biodiversity and functional traits of fish at different depths. 🐠🔍 Benthic samples collected from the expedition were analysed at a Species Discovery Workshop at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. In 2024 a benthic ID guide was produced to assist with future research and policy. Nekton also hosted knowledge exchanges, exchanging training in zooplankton identification and processing techniques with researchers in the Maldives. Learn more about the Mission ➡️ https://nektonmission.org/programmes/first-descent-maldives/ Read the recent pubished paper ➡️ https://nektonmission.org/resources/vulnerability-of-tropical-fish-communities-across-depth-in-the-central-indian-ocean/ Kensington Tours OMEGA Watches #NektonMaldivesMission (fb)