MISSIONS
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BERMUDA: ACTIVITIES

APPLIED RESEARCH

1. Biodiversity

The research team studied the richness and abundance of marine species across a wide range of depths and locations to investigate which physical and chemical factors affect species distribution and how biogenic structures (i.e. structures created by marine creatures) influence biodiversity and the connectivity of communities.

2. Oceanography

Across each study location, the scientists identified how the various hydrodynamic regimes (the movement of the sea) could influence the organisms living there. The team investigated how local and wider ranging deep-sea phenomena (everything from localised currents to the Gulf Stream) influence marine communities.

3. Human Impacts

Nekton’s science team studied the risks to the long-term resilience of the ocean caused by human activity, including invasive species, such as lionfish...

4. Analysis

  • 38,651 specimens and samples analysed.
  • Developed new machine learning techniques to analyse 240 video transects.
  • 15,000litres of water samples analysed for macronutrients, eDNA etc.
  • 92miles2 of new seabed maps processed and analysed.

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE:

  • We co-created the science objectives and outcomes with Bermuda and Canadian partners to meet national priorities.
  • Taxonomic Acceleration Workshop (Bermuda) conducted over a 2 week period with international experts to identify samples gathered during the Mission.
  • A Grant programme was established for Bermudian and regional scientists to participate.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

  • Submarine STEM: new educational programme launched with free resources and live educational programming from the Mission.
  • National and international media engagement: a dozen media organisations joined the Mission to report from the frontlines.
  • Global launch: of UNESCO’s High Seas programme
  • Documentary production: with Bermuda National TV