Comoros

INDIAN OCEAN: 6 October – 6 November 2025

The Ocean Census joins forces with its foundational partner, Nekton, on a 31-day expedition conducting rapid surface-to-depth biodiversity assessments to support marine spatial management. Other expedition partners include Kensington, the Government of Comoros, and R-POC partners (including WildTrust), alongside SAIAB.

Scroll down

Mission GUIDE

The Comoros expedition is a collaboratively developed scientific and communications initiative, operating within the R-POC programme that integrates local and international expertise to conduct comprehensive marine biodiversity assessments in the waters surrounding the Comoros to support the commitment of the Comoros to protect 30% of their Ocean by 2030 and to increase knowledge their iconic marine life and ecosystems. The mission also aims to elevate national, regional and global awareness of the Comoros’ unique ocean life.

The expedition will deploy advanced sampling technologies to collect biological and environmental data and specimens across a range of depths, with a focus on the mesophotic zone and adjacent deep waters. Guided by local knowledge and expertise brought by partners, the project will prioritise the study of ecologically critical and previously unexplored habitats. In addition, the expedition will opportunistically collect data on the Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), locally known as Gombessa—an iconic and culturally significant species. This effort will be supported by desktop analysis and collation of current information to develop a strategy to assess Comoros Coelacanth population size, structure and dynamics, and habitat integrity.

Mission facts

Dates

6 October – 6 November 2025

Duration

31 days

Location

Comoros Islands, Indian Ocean

Type

Partner

Image credits

Wild Trust

Follow the expedition

Mission brief

Mission Objectives

Survey, document and compare marine habitats and communities across a range of topographic features to support the creation of marine protection that is representative of marine diversity.

Collect, identify likely new species and create an accessible collection of these and representative specimens, to be held in Comoros and South Africa, providing opportunities to lead to new species discoveries and descriptions.

Promote knowledge exchange in marine science and encourage future collaboration between science participants with a view to further marine research in the country.

To collate and share existing knowledge and develop a strategic plan to support Comorian-led research on Gombessa (Coelacanth).

Showcase Comoros’ leadership in ocean science and conservation internationally and locally through Comorian driven storytelling, scientific discovery, and public engagement.