Mission
First Descent: Seychelles
20182021
The First Descent: Seychelles mission is a key component of Nekton’s First Descent: Indian Ocean programme. This mission, conducted in partnership with the Government of Seychelles, was designed to support the nation’s commitment to protecting over 400,000 km²—30% of its ocean territory—and fostering the sustainable development of its Blue Economy. The mission’s objectives and outcomes were co-defined and co-delivered with Seychellois partners, ensuring all data and discoveries are owned and vested in Seychelles.
Fellowships: Two Seychellois scientists were awarded Africa in Oxford Fellowships (AfOx) to develop research activities, leadership, and networks.
Science Results Symposium: A national ocean symposium presented the mission’s data, publications, reports, and films to the Government, partners, and the general public.
Identification Guides: Footage from the expeditions was converted into easy-to-use identification guides for scientists and the public, translated into national languages to increase accessibility.
Data & Specimens: All data and specimens collected are owned and vested by Seychelles, ensuring long-term benefits for the nation.
Initial planning meetings with Seychellois partners, led by the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (MEECC), were held to define the scientific, policy, engagement, and knowledge exchange objectives and outcomes.
An in-country workshop brought together stakeholders from 13 organisations to create a comprehensive implementation strategy for the mission.
The mission team spent nearly 50 days at sea, covering 2,300 nautical miles. The research focused on unexplored depths of Seychelles’ marine territory, particularly regions below 30 metres.
Over 300 science deployments were conducted across 7 key locations. The research aimed to establish a baseline for marine biodiversity and ecosystem health, contributing to marine spatial planning and the sustainable management of Seychelles’ marine resources.
The Deep Blue Grants Fund, launched in partnership with SeyCCAT, enabled 10 Seychellois scientists to participate in field research. A taxonomic workshop at the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) accelerated species identification and provided lectures to train 10 Seychellois scientists and early-career researchers.
First Descent: Live is broadcast from the Mission’s submersible deep beneath the waves to global audiences by Associated Press. Deep Ocean Live with Sky is the first live subsea documentary series and newscasts broadcasting 7 hours live, over 3 days from the Nekton’s mission to an audience of 110 million in 120 nations.
President Danny Faure calls on the world to protect the world’s ocean from under the ocean in a Nekton submersible. It becomes the biggest news of the day globally.
