For the first time, local scientists will lead a scientific expedition to explore the deep waters of Trinidad and Tobago.
The team is being headed by Chief Scientist, Dr. Diva Amon of SpeSeas and UWI, and includes local and international marine scientists.
They will sail onboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s world-renowned Research Vessel Falkor (too), which is one of the world’s most advanced ocean research platforms.
The expedition will run from June 29th to July 28th 2026.
The team will map the seafloor and study fragile and never-before-seen marine ecosystems.
The expedition, and all its discoveries, to be livestreamed on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s YouTube and Twitch channels.
According to Dr. Amon, 93% of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine jurisdiction lies below recreational scuba depths, with less than 1% of that space scientifically explored.
The undertaking also has the backing of Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh who said, “As Minister with responsibility for the environment, I fully endorse this deep-sea exploration of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine space. It will provide high resolution mapping of our seafloor, data on our marine biodiversity, insights into our marine ecosystems and more. I do not think of this historic venture as a ship arriving, it is Trinidad and Tobago stepping onto the global stage of exploration. It is also a powerful reminder that discovery is not distant; it is happening here. This expedition will inspire our young people, strengthen our scientific skills and partnerships, while deepening our understanding of the waters that shape the present into our future.”
Trinbagonian Dr. Amon serves as Chief Scientist, while other Co-Principal Investigators include Dr. Anjani Ganase (IMA, T&T), Dr. La Daana Kanhai (UWI, St. Augustine, T&T), Dr. Megan Conkling (Florida Atlantic University, USA), Dr. Rachel Lauer (University of Calgary, Canada) and Dr. Anna Metaxas (Dalhousie University, Canada).
Key collaborators include Dr. Katy Croff Bell (Ocean Discovery League, USA), Dr. Juliano Palacios Abrantes (University of British Colombia, Canada), Dr. Shirley Pomponi (USA), and Dr. Farahnaz Solomon (IMA, T&T).
11 students, eight of which are from The UWI, will also be on board.
