CURRENT MISSION: Maldives
Present Phase: Knowledge Exchange
The Nekton Maldives Mission is the first systematic discovery and documentation of ocean life in Maldives from the surface to 1000 metres.
In partnership with the Government of Maldives, the Mission is helping to create extensive new marine protected areas and ensure the ocean continues to protect and provide for the Maldivian people.
During field research the team discovered a new ecosystem, The Trapping Zone.
We are now in the Knowledge Exchange phase of the Maldives mission. Our Maldivian Knowledge Exchange scientists, Tonti and Iru, will be digging deeper into the world of zooplankton.
Latest News
The Ocean Awards 2025 - by BOAT International
Now in its 10th year, the Ocean Awards continue to recognise and reward those that share our commitment to fixing the largest solvable problem on the planet – the crisis in our ocean.
Zooplankton Knowledge Exchange Fellowship: Taxonomy Studies with Tonti and Iru
Two dedicated researchers embark on a unique journey through the Zooplankton Knowledge Exchange Fellowship organised jointly by Nekton and Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI).
The Fabric of the Ocean: Embroidery Designs from "Ocean Rising x UNIQLO" at RE.UNIQLO Studios
Global fashion powerhouse UNIQLO is introducing a series of ocean-themed embroidery designs at its RE.UNIQLO Studios to highlight ocean conservation through fashion.
WHAT WE DO:
MISSIONS & INITIATIVES
Missions: We work with ocean nations to undertake multi-year expeditions to establish marine protected areas. These ‘Missions’ combine marine research at sea, public and political engagement and knowledge exchange programmes that lead to policy implementation.
Initiatives: From international ocean policy interventions to innovating ocean story-telling, and from making private vessels available to science to combatting Parachute Science, we undertake innovative projects with targeted outcomes to meet the needs of our client, the ocean.
The Alliance
We work with an Alliance of dozens of partners - from science to civil society, from media to government, from business to philanthropy - who share our purpose to explore and protect the ocean, for people and the planet.
Our Maldives Mission Partners - led by Omega - are trailblazers in their field, bringing their skills and expertise to help lead our journey.
Omega has pledged to make time for the planet and has a long heritage of supporting ocean exploration. They have a long history of pushing at the boundaries of what is possible supporting space and ocean endeavours.
Kensington Tours has created award-winning private-guided trips for discerning travellers for over a decade. They are proud to support Nekton’s endeavours to promote science, education, and understanding of the world’s hidden depths.
Strategic Partners:
Collaborating Partners:
Founding Partners of Nekton
