Mobilising marine knowledge for the future of the Comoros

The discovery and documentation of marine species featured prominently in post-expedition discussions. Participants expressed hope that the expedition would reveal species previously unknown to science, particularly around Grande Comore, the largest and most populated island in the Comorian archipelago. As Arbabidine Amir, who worked in the environment and forestry department, reflected, “I hope that this expedition will allow us to discover new species that are still unknown to us”.

The coelacanth, a species that serves as an enduring symbol of survival in the deep, occupied a central place in the knowledge exchange. Several participants described it as the emblem of Comorian marine uniqueness and responsibility. Amina Mohamed Soilihi, a student at the University of the Comoros currently preparing a master’s degree in health resource management, explains, “We are also home to a particular species that is known worldwide and is protected: the coelacanth. So, many of our marine areas are known, notably thanks to the coelacanth, which makes them special”.

Idiamine Zakidine Mohamed Ismaila, currently a master’s student in health resources at the University of the Comoros, pointed out that the expedition could also shed light on less internationally famous, but ecologically vital species, such as groupers or, “ntsehele” in Comorian, which is endangered worldwide. Understanding whether such species are threatened locally was seen as essential for developing effective protection measures.

The knowledge exchange also became a space to articulate the risks the Comoros faces as a small island nation. Participants repeatedly linked improved marine knowledge to resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters. Idiamine warned that “if a disaster were to come from the sea, we are much more exposed than those on the continents,” stressing the urgency of understanding ocean dynamics in an era of rising sea levels and intensifying storms.

Pollution, particularly waste dumping, was identified as an emerging concern. Amina explained, “these same waste products are consumed by fish, and will subsequently be eaten by humans,” explicitly linking marine degradation to public health risks.

The value of the expedition depends on how its knowledge is shared and embedded locally. Many participants called for marine programmes to be strengthened within the University of the Comoros, arguing that research should not remain external or extractive. Elsi Ramoina Mohamed Elhad, a student from the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques at the University of the Comoros, highlights that “it is important to have a marine program within the University of the Comoros to allow for the analysis or research of other species at the university level”.

For students, the post-expedition exchange also reinforced the relevance of the mission to their own research trajectories. Engagement with plankton studies, fisheries management, and ecosystem data was seen as a way to align personal academic goals with national priorities.

The knowledge exchange created a vital platform for women to articulate their experiences in marine science. Female participants spoke openly about gender stereotypes and fears that discourage women from entering ocean-related fields. Elsi addressed these concerns directly, saying: “there are some girls who say to themselves, ‘I’m not going to go there because I can’t swim, or I’ll get eaten by a shark’… No, you have to let all that go”.

Women also highlighted their role as communicators and advocates. Amina noted that when women engage with environmental issues, “people tend to stop and try to understand what she’s saying or doing,” suggesting that women’s voices can play a powerful role in raising awareness and driving change.