SOUTH AFRICA, Cape Town, 26 February 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – As the pioneering “Around Africa Expedition” arrives in Cape Town, OceanX and OceanQuest are unveiling a series of remarkable discoveries and groundbreaking achievements from the exploration of Africa’s oceans.
Since its launch on 30 January, the expedition has mapped uncharted ecosystems and gathered critical biodiversity data across Africa’s waters. Among its most significant breakthroughs is the first-ever exploration of a previously known but unexplored seamount south of Walter’s Shoal along the Madagascar Ridge. In a historic first, the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) conducted a visual survey, revealing a breathtaking deep-sea ecosystem, home to corals, sponges and deep-sea species never before observed in this area.
Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer, OceanX, reflected on the expedition’s progress, “Arriving in Cape Town marks an exciting milestone for the ‘Around Africa Expedition’. This city, with its deep maritime heritage and dedication to ocean science, provides the perfect backdrop to present our discoveries and collaborate with Africa’s brightest marine scientists. Our mission goes beyond exploration. We aim to inspire the next generation of ocean leaders, fosterdevelop meaningful partnerships, and contribute valuable data that supports marine conservation worldwide.”
Unveiling Scientific Discoveries
The journey to Cape Town was marked by extensive scientific work, beginning with hydroacoustic mapping in Madagascar’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The team started by using sonar technology to create detailed images of the ocean floor, providing invaluable data on underwater landscape.
The first full dive expedition at Walter’s Shoal uncovered fascinating geological formations and an abundance of marine biodiversity. Video surveys documented carbonate pebbles, deep-sea corals and species, such as the Brisingid sea stars, a chimaera, a dumbo octopus, and a moray eel nestled within the rocks. Sightings of Brisingid sea stars was a highlight, as they are characteristic of deep-sea ecosystems and serve as important indicators of ocean health. Notably, two kitefin sharks were recorded during another dive in the north aspect of the seamount, to the delight of the team.
“Exploring the depths of Walter’s Shoal has been an extraordinary experience,” said Lara Atkinson, a South African marine scientist aboard OceanXplorer, “Descending 500 metreers into the deep and seeing the seafloor unfold before my eyes was surreal—like exploring an underwater fynbos landscape of the Western Cape. Watching a large octopus ‘play catch’ with the submersible’s lasers was a fascinating display of intelligence.”
“Equally rewarding was welcoming early-career researchers from six African countries aboard the OceanXplorer, many of whom had never ventured beyond coastal waters. Seeing them engage with deep-sea science firsthand has been incredibly fulfilling, as they return to their home countries not just as scientists, but as ambassadors for ocean exploration and conservation.” she added.
Opening Dialogues on Ocean Exploration and Protection
Beyond its scientific objectives, the “Around Africa Expedition” is committed to building research capacity and fostering promoting knowledge exchange across the continent. OceanX and OceanQuest are working with key local institutions, including the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Research Foundation – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, and the University of Cape Town, to advance ocean research and conservation efforts. African scientists have played an integral role in this expedition, participating in at-sea training and hands-on research aboard OceanXplorer.
As part of its engagement in South Africa, OceanX partnered with the French Embassy to host a Blue Talks aboard OceanXplorer on 25 February 2025. This high-level discussion brought together policymakers, scientists and industry leaders to address ocean protection and sustainable blue economy initiatives ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC III) in June. The event highlighted Africa’s role in global marine conservation efforts and aimed to secure commitments from regional stakeholders to be presented at the UNOC summit in Nice, France.
“Africa’s oceans hold untapped scientific potential, with vast ecologically significant marine ecosystems still waiting to be explored. Our collaborations and partnerships aimed to enhance scientific understanding and develop a lasting framework for ocean research across the continent,” remarked D.R, Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, “Through deep-sea exploration, cutting-edge data collection, and capacity building programmes, we are empowering African scientists with the tools and knowledge needed to lead the next generation of marine discovery and conservation.” he added.
Another critical component of the expedition is its focus on training and equipping the next generation of ocean leaders. In Cape Town, OceanX and OceanQuest hosted guided tours of the OceanXplorer for local students, educators and researchers, offering hands-on exposure to marine science and ocean storytelling. A new group of 14 Young Explorers, a programme designed to develop emerging talent in ocean-related fields, will set sail from Cape Town for their multi-day at-sea educational experience.
With Cape Town as a springboard for further exploration, the expedition sets sail for its next destination, committed to uncovering more of the ocean’s secrets and fostering a new generation of ocean stewards.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of OceanX and OceanQuest
About OceanX
OceanX is on a mission to support scientists to explore the ocean and to bring it back to the world through captivating media. Uniting leading media, science, and philanthropy partners, OceanX utilizes next-gen technology, fearless science, compelling storytelling, and immersive experiences to educate, inspire, and connect the world with the ocean and build a global community deeply engaged with understanding, enjoying, and protecting our oceans. OceanX is an operating program of Dalio Philanthropies, which furthers the diverse philanthropic interests of Dalio family members. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn
About OceanQuest
OceanQuest is a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and excite the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing. OceanQuest is based in the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To learn more visit www.OQFoundation.org.
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