OceanX and OceanQuest Unveil New Deep-Sea Discoveries from Around Africa During Cape Town Stop
Cape Town, South Africa, February 26, 2025 – /African Media Agency (AMA)/ – As Cape Town’s pioneering “Near Africa Expedition” arrives in Cape Town, Oceanx and Oceanquest are unveiling a series of outstanding discoveries and breakthrough achievements that have achieved from the exploration of African exploration.
Since its launch on January 30, the expedition has mapped unknown ecosystems and collected critical biodiversity data in African waters. One of its most important breakthroughs was the first exploration of the previously known but undeveloped sea mountains along the Madagascar ridge south of Walter’s shallows. In the historic first, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) were conducted visual surveys revealing an amazing deep-sea ecosystem, home to corals, sponges and deep-sea species that have never been observed in the region.
COO-CEO and Chief Science Officer Vincent Pieribone reflects on the expedition’s progress, “Arriving in Cape Town marks an exciting milestone in “exploring around Africa”. With its deep marine heritage and dedication to marine science, the city provides the perfect backdrop to showcase our discoveries and work with Africa’s smartest marine scientists. Our mission goes beyond exploration. We aim to inspire the next generation of marine leaders, build meaningful partnerships, and contribute valuable data that supports global marine conservation.”
Revealing scientific discoveries
Cape Town’s journey is characterized by extensive scientific work, starting with the exclusive economic region of Madagascar. The team first used sonar technology to create detailed images of the seabed and provide valuable data on the underwater landscape.
The first full dive expedition in Walter Shoal reveals fascinating geological strata and abundant marine biodiversity. The video survey documented carbonate pebbles, deep-sea corals and species such as Brisingid Sea Star, Chimaera, Dumbo Octopus and Moray Eel nestled among the rocks. Witnesses are Brisingid Sea Stars a highlight because they are a feature of deep-sea ecosystems and are important indicators of marine health. It is worth noting that two kite sharks were recorded in another dive in the north of the Sea Mountain, which made the team happy.
“Exploring the depths of Walter Shoals is an extraordinary experience,” said Lara Atkinson, a South African marine scientist at Oceanexplorer. “In my eyes, in my eyes, landing 500 meters deep, and seeing the people under the sea is surreal, such as exploring the Fynbos fiynbos the Westerscepe below. It is fascinating intelligence to watch the laser of the submersible watching the “play game” of the large octopus.”
“It also pays off that early researchers from six African countries were on marine debris, many of whom never ventured to coastal waters. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness their interactions with deep-sea science, as they are not only scientists, but also as ambassadors for ocean exploration and conservation,” she added.
Open dialogue on ocean exploration and conservation
In addition to its scientific goals, the African Expedition is committed to building research capabilities and promoting knowledge exchanges throughout the continent. Oceanx and Oceanquest are working with key local institutions, including the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African National Institute of Biodiversity (SANBI), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Research Foundation-South Africa Institute for Biodistribution of Aquatic Biology, and Capt Town, Capt City University to promote marine research and conservation efforts. African scientists played an indispensable role in this expedition, participating in offshore training and hands-on research on OceanXplorer.
As part of its involvement in South Africa, Oceanx held blue talks with the French Embassy on February 25, 2025 at OceanXplorer. This high-level discussion brings policy makers, scientists and industry leaders into the third UN Ocean Conference (Unoc III) to address ahead of schedule ocean conservation and sustainable blue economy plans. The event highlights Africa’s role in global marine conservation efforts and aims to ensure the commitment of regional stakeholders presented at the UNOC summit in Nice, France.
“Africa’s oceans have unexplored scientific potential and are still awaiting the exploration of a vast ecological marine ecosystem. Our collaboration and partnerships are designed to enhance scientific understanding and a sustained framework for marine research across the continent,” said Martin Visbeck, CEO of Oceanquest. “Through deep-sea exploration, cutting-edge data collection and capacity-building programs, we are providing African scientists with the tools and knowledge to lead the next generation of marine discovery and preservation,” he added.
Another key component of the expedition is its focus on training and equipping the next generation of marine leaders. In Cape Town, Oceanx and Oceanquest hosted OceanXplorer’s guided tours for local students, educators and researchers, providing hands-on exposure to marine science and ocean storytelling. A new group of 14 young explorers, the program aims to develop emerging talents in areas related to the ocean, will sail from Cape Town to gain multi-day experience in AT-SEA education.
The expedition uses Cape Town as a springboard for further exploration, setting sail for its next destination, dedicated to revealing more secrets of the ocean and promoting a new generation of marine administrators.
Depend on African Media Organization (AMA) Representatives Oceanx and Oceanquest
About the Ocean
Oceanx’s mission is to support scientists to explore the ocean and bring it back to the world through fascinating media. Oceanx unites leading media, science and philanthropy partners to leverage next-generation technology, fearless science, engaging storytelling and immersive experiences to educate, inspire and connect to the ocean, and build a global community with understanding, enjoying and protecting our oceans. Oceanx is an operational program of Dalio charity that further promotes the charitable interests of members of the Dalio family. For more information, please visit www.oceanx.org And follow Oceanx on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, X and LinkedIn
About Oceanquest
Oceanquest is a Saudi Arabia nonprofit foundation dedicated to revealing the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets to benefit humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation and inspire the public. Oceanquest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep-sea exploration and knowledge sharing. OceanQuest is located on the campus of King Tawar University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Learn more www.oqfoundation.org.
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