At Nekton, our strength lies in collaboration.
We run all of our programmes, with, and on behalf of the Nekton Network combining over 100 international partners and scientists from over 350 participating academic institutes.
Our programmes include the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, First Descent: Indian Ocean, Ocean Rising, Yachts for Science, Ocean Awards and Submarine STEM.
The accelerating loss of ocean biodiversity drives our urgency to discover and preserve ocean life for the generations to come.
Nekton operates globally with headquarters in Oxford, UK. Nekton is a UK registered charity no. (1162666)
Scientific exploration advances knowledge and drives progress.
We undertake expeditions to discover new knowledge and drive applied research that helps inform and catalyse ocean conservation and management policies.
Our storytelling and communications campaigns of the journeys of discovery gives voice to the ocean, ocean leaders and communities and inspires and deepens societal and cultural connection with the ocean.
Our knowledge exchange programmes strengthen equity through opportunity to forge a resilient ocean future for all.
In combination, we harness the power of scientific exploration to create a more valued ocean – recognised for its essential role in supporting all life on Earth – and valued for scientific knowledge, ecosystem services, environmental stability, societal well-being, sustainable commercial activities, and cultural significance.
Nekton directly supports the implementation of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Our research and outreach contribute to the advancement of marine policy, conservation, and sustainable resource management.
As a not-for-profit research foundation and UK-registered charity, Nekton is dedicated to advancing understanding of the ocean as a unified, interconnected biosphere essential to life on Earth. Our values reflect the principles that guide our work:
Collaboration: Achieving shared goals and creating lasting impact by working together with scientists, governments, communities, and organisations.
Curiosity: Driving discovery and storytelling, shared with partners from ocean nations to the public, underpinning our commitment to pioneering research and outreach.
Innovation: Challenging conventional approaches, pursuing bold advances in science, technology, and communication with integrity and a focus on tangible benefits.
Inspiration: Sparking curiosity and wonder through discovery and outreach, motivating global audiences and empowering decision-makers to act.
Opportunity: Creating equitable opportunities for everyone to contribute to and benefit from ocean science and exploration, shaping the future of the ocean with diverse voices.
Progressive: Adopting methodologies across science, partnerships, and operations to minimise environmental impact and drive innovation.
Resilience: Balancing human needs with the health of marine ecosystems to ensure long-term viability and sustainability.
Useful: Ensuring our work is practical and accessible, driving positive change in science, policy, and society.
Our journeys of discovery
From surface to depth, we co-develop and undertake expeditions with the philanthropic, commercial and national marine research fleets using divers, submersibles, Remotely Operated and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (ROVs & AUVs), landers and other systems.
We create step changes in our scientific knowledge of the ocean
We co-develop and run marine science initiatives and applied research – at sea and on land – to catalyse policies and actions to safeguard marine ecosystems. All data is open access and owned by host nations and for the common good.
We believe in the power of stories to inspire change
Our communications campaigns inspire wonder in ocean life, give voice to ocean leaders and communities and spark the curiosity and activism of an ocean-conscious global audience.
We strengthen equity through opportunity
Our Knowledge Exchange programmes combat ‘parachute science’ and create opportunities for ocean scientists, conservationists, decision-makers and storytellers, to collectively forge a resilient ocean future for all.
