CURRENT MISSION: Maldives
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.
Latest News

Nekton and The Nippon Foundation launch major new programme, Ocean Census.
Ocean Census is a global alliance that aims to accelerate discovery and protection of ocean life. The ambitious goal is to find 100,000 new marine species in the first decade.

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.
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.



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Founding Partners of Nekton


