🌊 The 2025 NEPDEP – Seamounts & Mapping Expedition (Sept 4–18) has wrapped up! The Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, DFO, ONC & partners explored seamounts, vents & cold seeps off Vancouver Island & Haida Gwaii. 🔗 nepdep.com/2025expeditionseamounts #nepdep #Challenger150

🌊 Join us at the ANDR Mini-Symposium! 📅 29 Sept | 16:00–17:40 EAT 📍 Baracuda Room, #WIOMSA2025 Proudly hosted by the African Network of Deep-water Researchers. @wiomsa.bsky.social #WIOMSA2025 🌍 More from ANDR: challenger150.world/andr-highlig...

🌊 Counting down to the ANDR Mini-Symposium! 📅 Mon, 29 Sept | 16:00–17:40 EAT 📍 Baracuda Room, #WIOMSA2025 ✨ Dive Into the Depths: Advancements in Deep-Water Research in the WIO @WIOMSA #WIOMSA2025 🐟 Read our recent publication: challenger150.world/wp-content/u...

🌊 Join us at the ANDR Mini-Symposium! 📅 29 Sept | 16:00–17:40 EAT 📍 Baracuda Room, #WIOMSA2025 Proudly hosted by the African Network of Deep-water Researchers. @wiomsa.bsky.social #WIOMSA2025 🌍 More from ANDR: challenger150.world/andr-highlig...

🧭 For the first time, Uruguayan scientists have access to an ROV diving 4,500 m. The #URUGUAYSUB200 expedition unites global researchers to study fragile ecosystems and expand deep-sea knowledge 🔗 challenger150.world/visualizing-the-deep-off-uruguay Partner: @schmidtocean.bsky.social #Challenger150

🌍 Curious what the C150 African Network of Deep-water Researchers (ANDR) has achieved in 2025 so far? From training to new collaborations, catch the highlights here: 🔗 challenger150.world/andr-highlig... #Challenger150 #DeepSeaScience #CapacityBuilding #Africa

🌊 #URUGUAYSUB200 aboard R/V Falkor (too) is the first full study of Uruguay’s deep ocean. Using ROV SuBastian, scientists will explore reefs, sponges & cold seeps never documented here. 🔗 schmidtocean.org/cruise/visualizing-the-deep-off-uruguay Partner: @schmidtocean.bsky.social #Challenger150

🌍🚨 New global study finds huge blind spots in ocean biodiversity data. Why it matters: without better data, whole ecosystems risk being left out of conservation plans. 🗺️ Read: “Mapping the Gaps: A Global Assessment of Ocean Biodiversity Data” #DeepSea #OceanScience #DataEquity #Challenger150

🌍🚨 New global study finds huge blind spots in ocean biodiversity data. Why it matters: without better data, whole ecosystems risk being left out of conservation plans. 🗺️ Read: “Mapping the Gaps: A Global Assessment of Ocean Biodiversity Data” #DeepSea #OceanScience #DataEquity #Challenger150

If you want to read more, check out the full #openaccess manuscript, available here shorturl.at/dypTc, or our press release available here shorturl.at/1BPPe. @challenger150.bsky.social @plymuni.bsky.social @plymouthmarine.bsky.social @oneoceanhub.bsky.social @unoceandecade.bsky.social

This analysis was made possible through the development of a statistically-based, custom pipeline, enabling authors to classify ~19 million OBIS records as either benthic or pelagic datasets. We’re thrilled to say that both the final datasets, and the code to recreate them are #OpenAccess too!

So, if we are to prioritise ocean biodiversity data collection to deliver a sustainable ocean, where should we focus?

These gaps matter 🌍 – biodiversity data fuels conservation 🐢, climate models 🌡️, and ocean planning 🌊. But if your model is trained on fish 🐟 in shallow waters, it probably won’t help protect deep-sea invertebrates 🪸 3,000 meters below. We’re building global policy on patchy foundations 🧱❓.

And the pelagic data distribution is no better…

Key findings from the benthic dataset show just how little of the seafloor below 30 m we’ve sampled:

Despite decades of exploration, we still can't fully answer “Where is marine life found, and why?”. A new study in @commsearth.nature.com shows just how skewed our ocean data really is…

🔍Mapping the Gaps: New global study reveals huge biases in benthic & pelagic biodiversity data – but what does this mean for science & conservation, & how can we address it? Read “Prioritisation of Ocean Biodiversity Data Collection to Deliver a Sustainable Ocean” to find out! shorturl.at/dypTc – 🧵:

Remember to join us this afternoon!

#OOS2025 is underway! 🌊 Discover how #Challenger150 is linking deep-sea research with global policy through training, coordination & inclusivity. 🧭 Successful new approaches for equitable deep-ocean science-policy engagement 📍T10-9 | Thurs, 5 June | 14:30 | Room 4 #SciencePolicy #OceanDecade

🌊 Strengthening science-policy links at #OOS2025 🗓 5 June | 🕝 14:30 |📍Room 4 | T10-9 Ana Hilário, Kerry Howell & Maria Baker: Successful new approaches for equitable deep-ocean science-policy engagement Join the conversation shaping global ocean governance. #Challenger150 #SciencePolicy #DeepOcean

Wrapping up the BAIT project 🎯 Our latest post reflects on its impact — from practical training in Cabo Verde to growing deep-sea research networks across Africa. 🌍🌊 Read more: challenger150.world/building-loc... #Challenger150 #ANDR #DeepSeaScience

🌍 Challenger 150, a DOSI-supported initiative, is proud to be one of the endorsed Decade Programmes advancing deep-ocean science for sustainable development. @challenger150.bsky.social @unoceandecade.bsky.social

How much do you know about the deep sea? If you think you are an expert, test your knowledge with this quiz and share your results with us. ⤵️

Watch as #ChileMargin24 scientists uncover deep-sea sediment data in this video by @schmidtocean.bsky.social 🌊🔬 Core samples reveal ocean conditions, biodiversity & geologic history—helping to protect Chile’s waters. 🌎 Find more on Instagram: @challenger__150 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed #DeepSeaExploration

Dive into the #ChileMargin24 expedition in this video by @schmidtocean.bsky.social! From uncharted canyons to deep-sea biodiversity, see the discoveries firsthand 🔬🐙. 🗺️ Explore more on Instagram: @challenger__150! #TheDeepOceanWeNeed #DeepSeaExploration

An incredible end to an important leg of the #AroundAfricaExpedition! 🌍🚢 Advancing deep-sea exploration, mapping seamounts, and supporting knowledge transfer for lasting impact. Exciting to see global collaboration driving ocean science! 🌊🔬 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed

Mapping the unknown is the first step to understanding and protecting it. 🌊📍 New seafloor data informs climate research, conservation & sustainable management. With investment, what was once unseen can be safeguarded for the future. #AntarcticClimateConnections #SeafloorMapping #TheDeepOceanWeNeed

The #HighSeasTreaty marks a new era for ocean protection, but what does it really mean for our future? In this piece, I break down its impact and why it matters now more than ever. Read more: worldoceanday.org/a-new-era-fo... #HighSeas #OceanProtection #DeepSea // @worldoceanday.bsky.social

Wishing the team a successful final week! Every discovery brings us closer to understanding and protecting the deep ocean—insights that shape the future of our planet. 🌊🔬🚢 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed #OceanExploration #Challenger150

Researchers on the 2024 Northeast Pacific Deep-sea Exploration Project (NEPDEP) deployed the ROPOS submersible, a powerful, deep-diving robot able to reach depths of 5000m. ROPOS captured beautiful images of deep-sea organisms, as well as samples, giving us a glimpse into an unseen world 🪸🦑

We're back—diving into the deep and into Bluesky. Excited to share discoveries and insights from the depths. 🌊 #Challenger150