Unveiling the Mysteries of Africa’s Oceans
By Carolyne Tomno
OceanX and OceanQuest have embarked on an unprecedented four-month mission to explore the vast, uncharted waters surrounding Africa.Aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel Ocean Xplorer, the “Around Africa Expedition” is set to push the boundaries of ocean exploration, uncovering new marine ecosystems, mapping the deep sea, and advancing conservation efforts that will shape the future of our planet.
“Our goal is to explore, understand, and protect the incredible marine ecosystems surrounding the African continent,” said Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies, we’re not just conducting research—we’re building a foundation for future conservation and sustainability efforts.”
Why This Expedition Matters
As an official United Nations Ocean Decade (2021-2030) action program, this mission is a game-changer for ocean science.”This collaboration underscores our collective determination to explore, understand, and conserve the marine environment through bold science and a spirit of partnership,” added Pieribonethe .The expedition will also shed light on critical ocean ecosystems, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity, and conservation opportunities essential for sustainable development and local livelihoods
Mission Focus Areas
Empowering Future Ocean Leaders
Education is at the heart of this expedition.
Through key partnerships with organizations like Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), the mission will traverse destinations such as Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; Mindelo, Cape Verde; Moroni, Comoros; Walters Shoal, Madagascar; Walvis Bay, Namibia; Agulhas Plateau and Cape Town, South Africa; to focus on:
- Deep-Sea Ecosystem and Seamount Exploration: Mapping unknown regions of the ocean floor, studying seamount ecosystems, and documenting biodiversity hotspots in areas such as the Agulhas Plateau and Madagascar Ridge.
- Ocean Biodiversity: Generating comprehensive datasets on ocean biodiversity patterns, bacterioplankton diversity, and aerosols.
Both are key elements of the ocean environment which support ocean health and biodiversity.
A Call to Action for the Future of Our Oceans
Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, emphasized the importance of international collaboration: “By working with local and international science networks, we are ensuring that the knowledge generated from this expedition creates lasting impacts—not just for Africa but for the global community committed to sustainable deep ocean stewardship.”
“This expedition is a catalyst for change,” said Visbeck. “We are charting a course for a more sustainable future—not just for the oceans, but for the people who depend on them.”
The “Around Africa Expedition” is more than a scientific voyage—it’s a movement.
By uniting global experts, advancing deep-sea research, and promoting conservation, this expedition will leave a lasting legacy for Africa’s oceans and beyond.