Singapore researchers set for deep-sea voyage with OceanX, a charitable organization, in October, as confirmed by Vivian.
Let's Dive into the Depths: NUS, OceanX, and the Unexplored Eastern Indian Ocean
Good day, mates! Singapore's Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, has some exciting news for us. In October, researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) will embark on a deep sea biodiversity expedition—and they're not going alone! This thrilling venture is in partnership with the US-based non-profit OceanX.
The adventure doesn't stop there. Scientists from across the region, particularly other small island developing states, are invited to join the expedition. Balakrishnan made this announcement during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.
So, what's the point? Well, this expedition will give researchers a golden opportunity to document and survey deep-sea biological material. These findings will help us better understand our oceans, mate!
The Indian Ocean, located between South-east Asia and the African continent, is no stranger to marine life. The high seas, which cover around two-thirds of this vast ocean, refer to the waters that fall outside national jurisdictions.
Balakrishnan, representing the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis), stressed the importance of small island developing states not just participating in, but leading ocean-related scientific expeditions. Aosis is a grouping of 39 small-island and low-lying coastal developing states, including Singapore, Palau, the Maldives, and Belize.
Mark Dalio, co-chief executive of OceanX, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming journey. He believes this mission will generate vital data on deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem health, strengthen the region's scientific knowledge base, and support informed decision-making for ocean stewardship.
Professor Peter Ng, NUS' chief scientist for the expedition, spoke about the collaboration between NUS and OceanX. Researchers from the university's Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) will be joined by researchers from Nanyang Technological University, as well as scientists from South-east Asia and other small island states.
The team will be exploring and studying deep-sea biodiversity, environmental DNA, and microbial ecosystems in the international waters of the Christmas Island Seamount Province, located in the eastern Indian Ocean. Their findings will contribute to building scientific baselines for future conservation and ocean management.
This project, funded by the National Research Foundation and NUS, will enhance our understanding of the deep sea, strengthen regional ties, and provide opportunities for capacity building. Dr. Balakrishnan believes this expedition will contribute to the shared global goals of advancing ocean science education and capacity building.
Now, let's not forget—our oceans are currently battling rising temperatures, acidification, overfishing, and plastic pollution[4]. It's a global issue that requires a multilateral solution, and Balakrishnan underlined his support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which sets the legal framework for activities carried out in the oceans and seas.
In 2023, Singapore helped to broker an agreement under Unclos on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity outside national jurisdictions. The High Seas Treaty, officially called the Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, will enter into force after 60 countries ratify it. As of June 9, 55 countries have ratified the agreement, with Singapore following suit in September 2024[5].
Balakrishnan urged other countries to ratify the agreement, stressing its importance for conserving and sustainably using the ocean and marine resources. He also announced that Singapore would be renewing 15 of the past voluntary commitments it made to support ocean health, and undertaking 12 new ones.
These commitments cover a range of initiatives, from environmental research programmes to promoting green financing in the maritime industry, and conducting ocean-related courses for fellow developing countries[2][3]. Singapore is showing no signs of slowing down in its efforts to save our seas. In fact, the Republic has some exciting new projects on the horizon, including its first seagrass restoration project, launched in September 2024, and the 100k Corals Initiative, launched in December 2024 with the aim of planting 100,000 corals in Singapore's waters in the next decade and beyond[6].
So there you have it, mate! Getting deep into our oceans is crucial for understanding and conserving the marine life that calls these depths home. Don't miss out on this thrilling expedition led by NUS and OceanX. Stay tuned for more news on how we can work together to save our seas!
Footnotes:[1] https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/UNOceanConference2022.aspx[2] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-to-join-east-indian-ocean-deep-sea-biodiversity-expedition[3] https://www.nus.edu.sg/ogc/mission-biosphere/science-and-expeditions/nus-projects.html[4] https://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/oceans-and-coasts/marine-protection/world-ocean-assessment/[5] http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-7-b&chapter=4&clang=_En[6] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-launches-new-efforts-to-combat-plastic-pollution
- Engaging in the NUS and OceanX deep-sea biodiversity expedition can enhance our understanding of climate-change impacts on the environment, as researchers will study deep-sea biodiversity and microbial ecosystems.
- This expedition, aligning with educational and self-development goals, will provide an opportunity for personal growth, as it will gather vital data on deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem health, fostering informed decision-making for ocean stewardship.
- Building on the findings from the NUS and OceanX deep-sea biodiversity expedition, learning resources can be created within environmental-science and marine-biology education programs to improve ocean science literacy and support sustainable ocean management.
