Balancing ecology and economics: Empirical baselines for a sustainable deep sea economy.

Unlocking the mysteries of the Caribbean abyssal zone: The Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago expedition

The groundbreaking Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition represents the first locally led scientific mission dedicated to exploring the unmapped deep sea ecosystems of the twin-island nation. This historic exploration addresses the critical lack of scientific data regarding the vast oceanic territories that constitute the majority of the marine jurisdiction of the country.

By deploying state-of-the-art oceanic exploration technology, researchers are systematically documenting baseline biodiversity and mapping geological features that have never been observed before. The comprehensive investigation establishes a foundational framework for marine resource management and national conservation policy within the Caribbean region.

This article provides an extensive record of the operational parameters, the participating institutional networks, and the long-term environmental stewardship goals defining this voyage. What makes this coverage distinct is its precise integration of local scientific insights and the rigorous institutional frameworks guiding the preservation of regional marine heritage.

Key Takeaways

The first locally led deep sea expedition in Trinidad and Tobago is exploring depths below 2000 metres.
All biological and geological samples collected will remain within the sovereign territory for future domestic research.
The entire scientific journey is broadcasted daily via global public livestreams on YouTube and Twitch.
A network of national and international institutions collaborates to establish baseline data for regional ocean management.

The frontier of Caribbean marine science

The marine territory of Trinidad and Tobago encompasses an expansive oceanic area, yet a significant portion of this domain remains entirely shrouded in mystery. Approximately 93 percent of the marine jurisdiction of the nation extends far beneath recreational scuba depths, and nearly 70 percent of this area is classified as deep sea.

Despite the vastness of this environment, the deep ocean ecosystems of the country have historically remained among the least explored habitats within the regional territory. To address this profound knowledge deficit, the domestic non-profit organisation SpeSeas has initiated an unprecedented oceanographic exploration. Titled the Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition, this project marks a transformative milestone in the history of Caribbean marine science.

Operating from June 29 to July 28, 2026, the month-long expedition represents the first-ever scientific mission to these depths designed and led by researchers from Trinidad and Tobago. The primary objective is to investigate the completely unknown ecological dynamics operating beneath the surface of the ocean, specifically focusing on bathymetric zones exceeding 2000 metres.

By systematically cataloguing the biological diversity and geological configurations of the seafloor, the team aims to establish a comprehensive baseline that will inform environmental policy for generations to come. The effort is particularly vital for a Small Island Developing State that relies heavily on its marine resources but requires precise scientific data to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.

The execution of this voyage relies on the research vessel RV Falkor (too), an advanced oceanographic research platform operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. Equipped with sophisticated deep-sea exploration technology, including high-definition robotic cameras, multibeam sonar mapping systems, and specialised sampling apparatus, the vessel allows scientists to observe and interact with the benthic environment in real time. The insights gathered during this month of intensive field operations will fill critical gaps in global oceanography, offering a clearer picture of how deep sea ecosystems connect with shallow water habitats and wider global ocean systems.

Institutional governance and sovereign sample retention

A defining and revolutionary element of the Deep Wonders expedition is the strict governance framework established regarding the physical materials retrieved from the ocean floor. In past decades, marine research conducted within developing nations was frequently characterised by extractive practices where international vessels collected valuable biological and geological samples and deposited them in foreign institutions.

The Deep Wonders mission entirely reverses this paradigm by guaranteeing that all deep sea samples collected throughout the expedition will remain permanently within Trinidad and Tobago for future scientific study.

This policy of sovereign sample retention represents a monumental step forward for national scientific capacity and regional self-determination. By ensuring that specimens of unique deep-sea corals, microbes, sponges, and sediment cores are curated domestically, the expedition lays the groundwork for continuous research by local academics and students.

This approach directly supports the development of a domestic knowledge infrastructure, allowing home-grown researchers to conduct advanced genetic, chemical, and ecological analyses without relying on foreign entities. The preservation of these materials within the nation fosters long-term institutional continuity and empowers local scientists to serve as the primary custodians of their natural heritage.

The successful implementation of this ambitious scientific strategy is made possible through an intricate network of national and international collaborations. SpeSeas serves as the principal coordinating entity, working in close alignment with key domestic bodies such as The University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus and the Institute of Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. This domestic core is augmented by a robust international cohort of prestigious scientific and supporting institutions.

Participating international universities include the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, and the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Spain. Strategic and financial support is provided by a coalition of global ocean advocates, including the Ocean Discovery League, Pure Ocean, The Explorers Club, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Anthony N Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence.

Leadership and scientific personnel

The intellectual capital driving the Deep Wonders expedition comprises an exceptional assembly of local experts, marine biologists, conservationists, and technical specialists who have dedicated their careers to ocean literacy. The leadership structure of SpeSeas reflects a multidisciplinary approach to marine governance, blending rigorous fieldwork with advanced spatial planning and public communication.

Dr Diva Amon, a prominent deep-sea biologist and a Director of SpeSeas, serves as a central scientific figure on the voyage. Dr Amon has achieved global recognition for her research into the little-known habitats of the abyssal plain, utilising her background to bridge the gaps between complex marine science, international policy, and public advocacy.

Working alongside Dr Amon are several other directors who bring specialised expertise to the overarching mission objectives. Dr Michelle Cazabon-Mannette contributes extensive knowledge in marine resource management and environmental economics, having pioneered localised research on sea turtle biology offshore Tobago. Dr Anjani Ganase, a coral reef ecologist with vast experience in global benthic mapping initiatives, provides critical insights into the ecological connectivity existing between shallow coral reef systems and deep-sea environments.

The technical precision of the expedition is further enhanced by Mr Ryan Mannette, a Geographic Information Systems specialist who oversees the complex spatial modelling and hydrographic mapping data generated during the cruise, and Dr Farahnaz Solomon, a fisheries biologist whose research addresses the impacts of climate change on pelagic species and sustainable fisheries management.

The core scientific team is supported by a dedicated group of associate members and project officers who ensure the smooth operational and educational execution of the voyage. Marine ecologist Dr Jahson Alemu I offers deep expertise in ecosystem modelling, while Ms Jeniece Germain manages project support and science communication, ensuring that technical findings are translated clearly for the public.

Mrs Jaime-Leigh Lue Chin, an MPhil candidate in Deep-Sea Biology, brings vital baseline research to the expedition, having recently co-authored a comprehensive assessment of deep-sea biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago within the publication Discover Oceans. Educational outreach and administrative strategy are reinforced by Mrs Kelly Mannette-Camejo, while the creative dimensions of public engagement are driven by multi-disciplinary artist Jesica Elizabeth Sadler and sustainability consultant Charlotte Tom.

Real-time public engagement via global livestreams

In an era where scientific transparency and public engagement are paramount, the Deep Wonders expedition sets a new global benchmark by broadcasting its underwater operations in real time. Every day of the month-long voyage, the deep sea exploration activities are livestreamed to an international audience via the official YouTube and Twitch channels of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. This continuous digital broadcast provides an unrestricted window into the abyss, allowing viewers worldwide to witness deep ocean discoveries exactly as they happen.

By utilising high-bandwidth satellite communication systems aboard the RV Falkor (too), the expedition transmits high-definition video feeds directly from the remotely operated vehicles exploring the seafloor below 2000 metres. Audiences can observe previously unseen geological formations, deep-sea coral fields, and unique biological organisms adapted to extreme pressure and complete darkness.

This democratisation of ocean science removes the traditional barriers that have historically separated academic research from the general public. Students, educators, and curious citizens can engage directly with the science team by submitting questions during the live broadcasts, creating an interactive educational experience that inspires the next generation of marine stewards.

This real-time broadcast strategy serves as a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and regional pride. For citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, watching local scientists lead a world-class exploration of their own territorial waters fosters a deep sense of ownership and connection to the ocean. It transforms abstract conservation concepts into vivid, tangible realities, illustrating the immediate need to protect these fragile environments from emerging anthropogenic threats such as deep-sea mining and climate change.

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Advancing the deep-sea blue economy and scientific legacy

The ultimate intent behind the Deep Wonders expedition extends far beyond simple geographic exploration. The data collected during this intensive campaign will serve as the scientific bedrock for the development of a sustainable deep-sea blue economy in Trinidad and Tobago.

As nations look to the ocean for future economic opportunities, having a precise, empirical understanding of benthic ecosystems is essential to prevent irreversible ecological degradation. The mapping of unexplored habitats and the documentation of marine biodiversity will directly influence future environmental impact assessments and spatial planning initiatives for coastal and offshore developments.

The scientific legacy of this expedition is securely anchored by the baseline research that preceded it. The foundational paper published by Jaime-Leigh Lue Chin and her colleagues in early 2026 provided a comprehensive overview of what was historically known about the deep ocean of the nation, while highlighting the immense knowledge gaps that the current cruise is actively addressing. By building directly upon this published framework, the scientific team ensures that every dive performed by the RV Falkor (too) maximizes its scientific output and addresses targeted research priorities.

As the expedition progresses toward its conclusion on 28 July 2026, the wealth of information generated will continue to feed into global databases and domestic policy frameworks. The combination of sovereign sample retention, real-time public transparency, and robust local leadership establishes a model for how oceanographic research should be conducted globally, particularly within Small Island Developing States.

Through this historic endeavour, Trinidad and Tobago is not only uncovering the hidden mysteries of its own deep ocean but is also asserting its position as a leading voice in regional marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance.