Cruise Report –
Nekton First Descent: Maldives

The First Descent: Maldives Mission marked the first comprehensive survey and sampling of the Maldives deep ocean, exploring depths from the surface down to 1,000 metres. Despite being one of the most biodiverse marine environments, almost nothing was known about what lies below 30 metres. This mission, in partnership with the Government of Maldives, aimed to fill this critical knowledge gap and support the creation of extensive new marine protected areas, ensuring that the ocean continues to protect and sustain the Maldivian people.