Mission

First Descent: Comoros

2025Ongoing

The Government of the Comoros and Nekton are launching the nation’s first systematic exploration of its ocean, from the surface to 900 metres. The waters surrounding the Comoros Islands, at the heart of the Mozambique Channel, are among the most biodiverse yet least studied regions of the global ocean.

Comoros and Nekton Launch First Systematic Ocean Exploration Mission to Support 30x30 Commitment

Overview

Nekton First Descent: Comoros is a collaborative scientific and communications initiative within the R-POC programme, bringing together Comorian and international expertise to conduct comprehensive marine biodiversity assessments. The mission supports the Comoros’ commitment to protecting 30% of its ocean by 2030 and expanding knowledge of iconic marine life and habitats.

Advanced sampling technologies will be deployed to study ecologically critical and unexplored habitats, with a focus on the mesophotic and deep zones. Particular attention will be given to the coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), locally known as Gombessa, through both fieldwork and desktop analysis to develop a Comorian-led strategy for population and habitat assessment.

Objectives

To advance the scientific exploration of Comoros waters – one of the most biodiverse and least known parts of the global ocean – led by a celebrated cadre of Comorian explorers / scientists.

To collect and share biodiversity data that inform the development of new, and expansion of existing, Marine Protected Areas in the inshore and offshore environments of the Union of the Comoros.

To consolidate available local data, build international networks and exchange knowledge, and to explore new sites that will support the development of a Comorian-led Gombessa (Coelacanth) research programme.

To deliver a collaborative communications initiative the ‘Voice of the Comoros’, amplifying the narrative around expert local knowledge in the Comoros and the impact of large, co-developed international collaborations on the national targets.

The expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore and showcase the richness of Comoros’ marine and coastal ecosystems. It will deepen our understanding of biodiversity and fisheries, produce new inventories and habitat maps, and strengthen the skills of Comorian researchers and students. These efforts will build regional and international collaboration and provide clear recommendations for the sustainable management of our marine resources for future generations.

Dr. Nadjim Ahmed Mohamed Researcher University of Comoros
Mission

Partners

Mission Partners Further Information

Nekton

Nekton is an independent, not-for-profit research institute and UK registered charity. Nekton works to accelerate the scientific exploration and conservation of the ocean through expeditions, applied research, storytelling, and knowledge exchange. The Comoros mission is part of Nekton’s First Descent programme, with Past missions in Seychelles and the Maldives forming an ongoing series of Indian Ocean expeditions launched in partnership with regional governments and scientists.

CORDIO

Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), East Africa is a non-governmental organisation working at the intersection of marine scientific research and conservation policy and practice in the western Indian Ocean (WIO). CORDIO’s work ranges from promoting sustainable resource use within fishing communities to national and regional policy development to improve governance of marine ecosystems.

WILDTRUST

As a programme of the WILDTRUST, the WILDOCEANS programme champions inclusive, locally rooted solutions that conserve & restore ocean species and ecosystems, strengthen governance, and create lasting, tangible benefits for coastal communities who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. At the same time, we catalyse and contribute to national, regional, and global action, at scale.

Through strong science, strategic partnerships, and inclusive community development, WILDOCEANS delivers locally led, globally significant impact – advancing the 30×30 ocean conservation goal and broader climate action efforts, while building resilient systems for and with future generations.