CURRENT MISSION: Maldives – Time for the Planet
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 will help create extensive new marine protected areas and ensure the ocean continues to protect and provide for the Maldivian people. Starts: September 4, 2022
Latest News
Scientists call for urgent conservation of deep reefs, one of the planet’s largest and least protected ecosystems.
Nekton research confirms for the first time that deep reef habitats, notably in the Western Indian Ocean, are largely unprotected despite being under threat from a multitude of stressors.
The transport and fate of Microplastics in the Antarctic
Nekton research reveals Antarctica to be sink for microplastic pollution and an airborne issue with synthetic fibres from textiles travelling by air from southern South America.
Memo to COP27 from the Maldives. Subject: Act Now
The message we heard on our recent Nekton Maldives Mission was clear: Act Now - before it's too late.
Maldives Mission: The Scientific Quest
'The ocean is a key part of each Maldivian. 71% rely on the ocean for their primary source of income. This Mission will help us establish the long-term sustainability of our economic growth, livelihoods and jobs through establishing marine protected areas to build ocean resilience' Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamid Solih.
The Mission’s research goals include:
- Sea level rise: Impacts and adaptation
- Coral and reefs – the canary in the climate mine: location and protection
- Establishing the first ‘baseline health check’ on the status of Maldives ocean
- Deep Reefs: the first discovery, survey and sampling of Maldives’ deep reefs (below 30metres)
- Seamounts: The first scientific exploration of a seamount in the Northern Indian Ocean
- Megafauna: The first documentation of the lives of megafauna in the depths of the Maldives
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
