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 OceanXplorer, 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.
Why This Expedition Matters
As an official United Nations Ocean Decade (2021-2030) action program, this mission is a game-changer for ocean science.
The expedition will explore critical marine regions, including:
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Mindelo, Cape Verde Moroni, Comoros Walters Shoal, Madagascar Walvis Bay, Namibia Agulhas Plateau & Cape Town, South Africa
Mission Focus Areas
Mapping the Unknown: Discovering deep-sea ecosystems and uncharted seamounts, unlocking secrets hidden beneath the ocean floor.
Ocean Biodiversity: Gathering crucial data on marine species, microbial diversity, and aerosols to support global conservation efforts.
Sustainable Impact: Providing data-driven insights to aid in conservation policy, marine protection, and local resource management.
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:
Offer hands-on training for early-career ocean professionals in oceanography, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, and science communication.
Conduct local workshops to build research capacity and empower scientists in Africa.
Open the OceanXplorer for tours, allowing students and educators to experience cutting-edge marine science firsthand.
Create interactive learning experiences to inspire young minds and future ocean explorers.
A Call to Action for the Future of Our Oceans
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.
