First Descent is a series of expeditions to explore and conserve the world’s most unknown and least protected ocean, The Indian Ocean.
Nekton's Missions combine scientific research, capacity development, ocean governance and public engagement. Our work is co-developed hand in hand with host nations. Nekton is an independent not-for-profit research institute working in collaboration with the University of Oxford. We are a member of the Blue Prosperity Coalition.
Featured Video
First Descent: Seychelles Mission Trailer
Here is a taste of what we achieved in our first Indian Ocean Mission in Seychelles in March and April 2019. And there is so much more to come.
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First Descent Live
First Descent is a series of expeditions to explore and conserve the world’s most unknown and least protected ocean, The Indian Ocean.
Halfway Point
It's been an incredible journey so far, but we are only halfway through. Here’s what we’ve done by numbers. And there’s still so much more to be done. Onwards and downwards.
Highlights from beneath the Indian Ocean
Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the deep ocean
Unexpected Visitors
Much excitement on board when some unexpected visitors joined the mission
CONSERVATION THROUGH EXPLORATION
Our ocean is undergoing rapid ecological transformation by human activities
The scientific consensus is that we must have an enforced protected area covering at least 30% protection of the ocean by 2030 to support a resilient ocean and a resilient planet.
The Mission began in Seychelles in March 2019. At least 50 first descents are planned to dive into the unknown depths to generate critical data to support Seychelles’ commitment to protect 30% of their national waters by 2020, equivalent to nearly twice the size of the entire United Kingdom. Seychelles are a beacon for ocean conservation.
First Descent deploys a raft of new cutting-edge research, sampling, survey and video technologies from our state-of-the-art submersibles and remote operated vehicles. First Descent is broadcast live from our submersibles and Mothership and distributed globally.
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