The Round Africa Expedition, a collaborative initiative along the African coast led by the organisations OceanX (a global community of explorers and scientists who promote ocean education and protection) and OceanQuest (a foundation that aims to explore the secrets of the ocean depths for the benefit of humanity), is counting on the participation of Mozambican researchers in the exploration of the Indian Ocean’s marine ecosystems, the news portal Engineering News reported on Monday, March 3 .
According to the site, the project, which aims to map and study the biodiversity of the seamounts, began at the end of January in Moroni, Comoros, on board the OceanXplorer research vessel.
The website explains that the expedition brings together scientists from various countries, including Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Portugal, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. The main objective is to better understand marine ecosystems and contribute to conservation and restoration efforts in remote ocean areas. For the country, the mission represents an opportunity to deepen knowledge about marine resources and strengthen local scientific capacity.
The importance of seamounts
Seamounts are geological formations that play a fundamental role in ocean dynamics. According to benthic ecologist Lara Atkinson of the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), seamounts influence ocean currents and create nutrient-rich upwelling zones, supporting a diversity of marine life, including plankton (a group of organisms that live in water and have little ability to move), corals, sponges, fish and marine mammals.
Among the sites explored during the expedition were the Madagascar Ridge and the Agulhas Plateau, where biodiversity surveys were carried out. On board the OceanXplorer, the researchers used advanced submersibles such as the Neptune and Nadir, capable of reaching depths of up to 500 metres, to take samples and images of the seabed. The analyses include environmental DNA (eDNA) tests to identify species present in the region.
Mozambican researchers research marine ecosystems in international expedition
Discoveries and impact for Mozambique
Engineering News reveals that one of the most notable discoveries was the exploration of an unexplored seamount south of Walter’s Shoal, where rare marine species were documented, including deep-sea corals, Brisingid starfish, a chimaera, dumbo octopus and a moray eel. The sighting of two shortfin mako sharks also marked the expedition, reinforcing the importance of these areas for biodiversity.
For Mozambique, the discoveries are of great importance, as the country has an extensive coastline and depends heavily on marine resources for food and economic security. The research could help implement more effective conservation policies and strengthen the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Strengthening ocean research
In addition to scientific exploration, the Round Africa Expedition aims to develop marine research capacity in African countries. OceanX and OceanQuest are collaborating with various local institutions to foster the exchange of knowledge and the training of African researchers. In Mozambique, the results of the expedition are expected to support environmental monitoring programmes and strengthen the country’s participation in global ocean science.
The participation of national researchers in this mission represents an important step in expanding knowledge about the oceans and preserving marine biodiversity, with direct benefits for coastal communities and for the country’s sustainable future.
