Day 0 | 02.06.2018
After a day full of preparations and briefings, teams from the Oceano Azul Foundation, the Waitt Foundation, the National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries from University of the Azores and other scientific institutions are ready to begin the Oceano Azul Expedition.
With the support of the Regional Government of the Azores, this scientific expedition is part of the Blue Azores programme and contributes to the Foundation’s objective of promoting knowledge for ocean’s conservation.
The sea of the Azores is viewed today within the international community, as an area of great importance in terms of marine biodiversity, bio-resources and sustainability of the ocean. However, there are areas that have barely been explored and a considerable lack of knowledge about their biological communities and the nature of the seabed is identified. This expedition will target some of the most untouched areas of the sea around the Azores aiming to contribute to a clearer scientific vision of the value of these ecosystems.
The expedition will sail on board of the historic Santa Maria Manuela and will be supported by the Portuguese Navy’s NRP Almirante Gago Coutinho, a hydrographic vessel on service for the Hydrographic Institute, using the ROV LUSO owned by Portugal’s Task Group for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC).
The exploration of these almost unknown coastal and oceanic areas is being carried out by a large scientific team led by chief-scientists Emanuel Gonçalves, from the Oceano Azul Foundation, and by Alan Friedlander from National Geographic Pristine Seas. Paul Rose from National Geographic and Emanuel Gonçalves will lead the expedition.
Stay tuned between June 3 and 23!
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