- Global ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX embarks on second mission to investigate the unexplored seabed of the Azores

The data collected by OceanX will help inform the Regional Government of the Azores decision-making to protect the rich marine biodiversity and ecosystems in Azorean waters

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In August of this year, OceanX, a nonprofit ocean exploration organization, returned to the Azores to investigate the topography and ecosystem of the seafloor. This marked OceanX's second mission to the region in collaboration with the Okeanos Marine Research Institute of the University of the Azores. The mission ran from August 24 to September 8, 2023 and focused on collecting data on the wildlife and deep-sea ecosystems of the Azores.

The OceanX mission in the Azores leveraged the cutting-edge scientific research, media production and exploration vessel, OceanXplorer, to study unexplored underwater mountains and ridges. The structure of seamounts generates upwellings, which transport nutrients from the depths of the sea to the surface, attracting marine megafauna and diverse groups of fish, while providing habitat for distinctive communities of deep-sea corals and sponges due to their complexity. structural. By studying the seamounts in this region, OceanX can discover their importance to ocean life in this seascape. Data collected during the mission will inform the Azores Regional Government in its decision-making to protect critical areas with high marine biodiversity and support its goal of designating 30% of the Azores Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as protected marine areas (MPA).

"We were excited to be invited back to the Azores to support and facilitate scientific research into the region's vital deep-sea marine ecosystems and continue to advance environmental policies to protect these waters," explained Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO of OceanX. . "We hope that exploring and documenting the unexplored and biodiverse waters of the Azores will raise awareness and support conservation efforts in the region."

In addition to exploring seamounts and ridges, OceanX supported the university's research team in their investigation of hydrothermal vents, deep-sea coral communities, sponge aggregations, mobula rays, blue sharks and whale sharks, using state-of-the-art equipment at aboard the OceanXplorer. The 286-foot vessel features two manned Triton submersibles, each of which can dive below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) for up to eight hours, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that can operate up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet ) below the surface, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a sonar suite, and genetic and eDNA sequencing systems, all of which allow humans to safely explore the depths of the ocean with unparalleled precision.

In 2021, OceanX led multiple research projects in the Azores with Okeanos scientists that included multidisciplinary scientific research, data collection and distribution related to seafloor, water column and current profile mapping, eDNA sampling and marine ecology and biology in both shallow and deep water aquatic habitats to build a three-dimensional understanding of the ecosystem.

OceanX has made significant progress in ocean research in the Azores, supporting local scientists and organizations and facilitating a deeper understanding of the oceans across the European Union and globally. This mission underscores OceanX's commitment to collecting novel scientific research that benefits governments and policymakers in ocean conservation decision-making.

For media inquiries about OceanX, please contact Rida Bint Fozi at rida@thetascgroup.com.

About OceanX

OceanX is a mission to help scientists explore the ocean and bring it back to the world through captivating media. By uniting leading partners in media, science and philanthropy, OceanX uses next-generation technology, bold science, compelling storytelling and immersive experiences to educate, inspire and connect the world to the ocean and build a global community deeply committed to understanding, Enjoy and protect our oceans. OceanX is an initiative of Dalio Philanthropies, which promotes the diverse philanthropic interests of members of the Dalio family. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contacto: Rida Bint FoziTel: 212-337-8870E-mail: rida@thetascgroup.com

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