This expedition is special because it is the first one led entirely by Schmidt Ocean Institute staff. While we normally support visiting scientists and partners from outside organizations, this time, the science department on the ship and staff on shore are coordinating all aspects of this research along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridges in the high seas.
These diverse and understudied ecosystems are vulnerable to human exploitation from climate change, plastic pollution, overfishing, and potential deep-sea mining. Many experts in marine protection and policy believe that these ridges are a top priority for designation as one of the world’s first high-seas marine protected areas. The #NazcaHighSeas expedition builds upon the thrilling discoveries made by international scientists working in the region since January 2024, and it will establish a scientifically rich baseline that will help advance informed high seas protections.
