VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) — The British-led Nekton scientific mission has completed a seven-week expedition in the Indian Ocean aimed at documenting changes beneath the waves that could affect billions of people in the region over the coming decades.
Little is known about the watery world below depths of 30 meters, the limit to which a normal scuba diver can go. The mission operated down to 450 meters off the Seychelles, becoming the first to explore diverse areas where the deep ocean begins.
The oceans' role in regulating climate and the threats they face from global warming are underestimated by many. Scientific missions are crucial in taking stock of oceans' health.
Seychelles President Danny Faure visited the mission and made a global plea for stronger protection of the "beating blue heart of our planet."
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