Challenger 150

Mapping the Gaps: New Global Assessment Reveals Stark Biases in Ocean Biodiversity Data - Challenger 150 New global study reveals stark biases in ocean biodiversity data, highlighting urgent gaps in deep-sea, southern hemisphere, and invertebrate records. Discover the key priorities for building a more s...

🌍🚨 New global study finds huge blind spots in ocean biodiversity data.
Why it matters: without better data, whole ecosystems risk being left out of conservation plans.

🗺️ Read: “Mapping the Gaps: A Global Assessment of Ocean Biodiversity Data”

#DeepSea #OceanScience #DataEquity #Challenger150

Mapping the Gaps: New Global Assessment Reveals Stark Biases in Ocean Biodiversity Data - Challenger 150 New global study reveals stark biases in ocean biodiversity data, highlighting urgent gaps in deep-sea, southern hemisphere, and invertebrate records. Discover the key priorities for building a more s...

🌍🚨 New global study finds huge blind spots in ocean biodiversity data.
Why it matters: without better data, whole ecosystems risk being left out of conservation plans.

🗺️ Read: “Mapping the Gaps: A Global Assessment of Ocean Biodiversity Data”

#DeepSea #OceanScience #DataEquity #Challenger150

If you want to read more, check out the full #openaccess manuscript, available here shorturl.at/dypTc, or our press release available here shorturl.at/1BPPe.

@challenger150.bsky.social @plymuni.bsky.social @plymouthmarine.bsky.social @oneoceanhub.bsky.social @unoceandecade.bsky.social

This analysis was made possible through the development of a statistically-based, custom pipeline, enabling authors to classify ~19 million OBIS records as either benthic or pelagic datasets. We’re thrilled to say that both the final datasets, and the code to recreate them are #OpenAccess too!

So, if we are to prioritise ocean biodiversity data collection to deliver a sustainable ocean, where should we focus?

These gaps matter 🌍 – biodiversity data fuels conservation 🐢, climate models 🌡️, and ocean planning 🌊. But if your model is trained on fish 🐟 in shallow waters, it probably won’t help protect deep-sea invertebrates 🪸 3,000 meters below. We’re building global policy on patchy foundations 🧱❓.

And the pelagic data distribution is no better…

Key findings from the benthic dataset show just how little of the seafloor below 30 m we’ve sampled:

Despite decades of exploration, we still can't fully answer “Where is marine life found, and why?”. A new study in @commsearth.nature.com shows just how skewed our ocean data really is…

🔍Mapping the Gaps: New global study reveals huge biases in benthic & pelagic biodiversity data – but what does this mean for science & conservation, & how can we address it? Read “Prioritisation of Ocean Biodiversity Data Collection to Deliver a Sustainable Ocean” to find out! shorturl.at/dypTc – 🧵:

Remember to join us this afternoon!

#OOS2025 is underway! 🌊

Discover how #Challenger150 is linking deep-sea research with global policy through training, coordination & inclusivity.

🧭 Successful new approaches for equitable deep-ocean science-policy engagement

📍T10-9 | Thurs, 5 June | 14:30 | Room 4

#SciencePolicy #OceanDecade

@ahilario.bsky.social @deepseaecol.bsky.social @drmariabaker.bsky.social

🌊 Strengthening science-policy links at #OOS2025
🗓 5 June | 🕝 14:30 |📍Room 4 | T10-9

Ana Hilário, Kerry Howell & Maria Baker: Successful new approaches for equitable deep-ocean science-policy engagement

Join the conversation shaping global ocean governance.
#Challenger150 #SciencePolicy #DeepOcean

Building Local Expertise: Training the Next Generation of Deep-Sea Scientists in Africa - Challenger 150 The BAIT project in Cabo Verde trained African scientists in low-cost deep-sea monitoring, laying the groundwork for long-term research and regional leadership.

Wrapping up the BAIT project 🎯
Our latest post reflects on its impact — from practical training in Cabo Verde to growing deep-sea research networks across Africa.
🌍🌊 Read more: challenger150.world/building-loc...
#Challenger150 #ANDR #DeepSeaScience

🌍 Challenger 150, a DOSI-supported initiative, is proud to be one of the endorsed Decade Programmes advancing deep-ocean science for sustainable development.
@challenger150.bsky.social @unoceandecade.bsky.social

QUIZ: The Deep Sea Test your knowledge of the wildlife and oceanography of Earth’s darkest depths. Let’s dive in!

How much do you know about the deep sea?

If you think you are an expert, test your knowledge with this quiz and share your results with us. ⤵️

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean A Treasure Trove | Canyons, Vents, and Seeps of the Chile Margin

Watch as #ChileMargin24 scientists uncover deep-sea sediment data in this video by @schmidtocean.bsky.social 🌊🔬 Core samples reveal ocean conditions, biodiversity & geologic history—helping to protect Chile’s waters.

🌎 Find more on Instagram: @challenger__150 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed
#DeepSeaExploration

Deep Hotspots of Biodiversity | Canyons, Vents, and Seeps of the Chile Margin Join the #ChileanMargin2024 expedition team aboard Research Vessel Falkor (too) as they explore diverse underwater ecosystems along Chile's coast. They are exploring methane seeps and submarine canyons, both different hidden biodiversity hotspots deep within the ocean. Using advanced technology, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), core samplers, and methane detectors, scientists document rare sights like gas bubble streams and thriving microbial life—organisms that rely on chemosynthesis, rather than sunlight, for survival. This groundbreaking expedition provides insights into the ocean's role in climate change, carbon capture, and our planet’s complex ecological connections.

Dive into the #ChileMargin24 expedition in this video by @schmidtocean.bsky.social! From uncharted canyons to deep-sea biodiversity, see the discoveries firsthand 🔬🐙.

🗺️ Explore more on Instagram: @challenger__150! #TheDeepOceanWeNeed #DeepSeaExploration

An incredible end to an important leg of the #AroundAfricaExpedition! 🌍🚢 Advancing deep-sea exploration, mapping seamounts, and supporting knowledge transfer for lasting impact. Exciting to see global collaboration driving ocean science! 🌊🔬 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed

Mapping the unknown is the first step to understanding and protecting it. 🌊📍 New seafloor data informs climate research, conservation & sustainable management. With investment, what was once unseen can be safeguarded for the future. #AntarcticClimateConnections #SeafloorMapping #TheDeepOceanWeNeed

A New Era for the Ocean: The High Seas Treaty and What It Means for Our Future - World Ocean Day Fifteen years of debate and negotiation. That’s how long it took to reach an agreement about something most of us never see: the High Seas. On March 4, 2023, the […]

The #HighSeasTreaty marks a new era for ocean protection, but what does it really mean for our future? In this piece, I break down its impact and why it matters now more than ever.

Read more: worldoceanday.org/a-new-era-fo...

#HighSeas #OceanProtection #DeepSea // @worldoceanday.bsky.social

Wishing the team a successful final week! Every discovery brings us closer to understanding and protecting the deep ocean—insights that shape the future of our planet. 🌊🔬🚢 #TheDeepOceanWeNeed #OceanExploration #Challenger150

Researchers on the 2024 Northeast Pacific Deep-sea Exploration Project (NEPDEP) deployed the ROPOS submersible, a powerful, deep-diving robot able to reach depths of 5000m. ROPOS captured beautiful images of deep-sea organisms, as well as samples, giving us a glimpse into an unseen world 🪸🦑

YouTube video by Challenger150 The UN Ocean Decade Challenger 150 Programme

We're back—diving into the deep and into Bluesky. Excited to share discoveries and insights from the depths. 🌊
#Challenger150